Glenfiddich releases 1973 whisky in UK

Scotch brand Glenfiddich has launched a limited edition 49-year-old whisky as part of its Archive Collection, exclusive to the UK market.

The Archive Collection celebrates the brand’s beginnings and includes whiskies distilled in 1973, 1984 and 1987.

Limited to 83 bottles, the Glenfiddich Archive Collection 1973 whisky was taken from a refill American Oak cask.

The liquid has an aroma of ‘French polish in an old sweet shop’, complemented by layers of woody beeswax, lemon sherbet and lavender.

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich global brand director, said: “They say that good things come to those who wait, and greater treasures come to those who wait longer still. The Archive Collection is a true testament to patience and a celebration of Glenfiddich’s place in history, paying homage to the visionary founder of our Speyside distillery.

“These three expressions capture the rich heritage that William Grant founded and allow us to share a very special part of our brand’s history.”

The Glenfiddich Archive Collection 1987 whisky could only be pre-ordered from the brand’s home during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April. Only 75 bottles were released.

The 1984 bottling in the range was launched exclusively in China and Taiwan in June.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich malt master, added: “The Archive Collection seamlessly bridges the gap between Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and its rich history, bearing witness to the heritage of craftsmanship, pioneering spirit and the passing on of knowledge and experience.

“By releasing hand-picked rare casks, we are looking to the foundations of the brand to inform the future. Casks, which were laid down long ago, have been allowed to mellow and mature over the decades, [and] are now to be awakened and bottled for the first time, allowing a taste of unrepeatable character.

“While some of our series look to innovative finishes or experimental methods, we have curated the Archive Collection in the knowledge that each bottle from the single cask will be truly unique because of the time it has spent developing – a key element in the whisky-making process which may sometimes be overlooked.”

In 2023, a limited number of hand-picked casks will be available in select countries as part of an annual release.

The 41.8% ABV whisky will be available to buy exclusively from Berry Bros & Rudd until the end of October 2023.

From November onwards, Archive Collection 1973 will be available in additional select luxury retailers, priced at £33,500 (US$40,848).

Glenfiddich owner William Grant & Sons saw revenue grow by double digits last year, with profit returning to pre-pandemic levels.