Glenfiddich XS launches with 15, 18 and 21YO whiskies
William Grant & Sons has introduced Glenfiddich XS – a trio of single malt Scotch whiskies aged for 15, 18 and 21 years.
Malt master Brian Kinsman crafted the three single malts, which will initially land in China in November.
Kinsman said: “Glenfiddich XS is a whisky of gradual and powerful revelation, an exciting whisky that invites exploration and is designed to mark richer experiences.
“The multi-layered, secondary maturation has created a subtle and sophisticated taste that unveils new depths to the liquid profile.
“Glenfiddich XS is a whisky crafted with a new generation of whisky drinkers in mind, where whisky rituals and drinking moments are being reinvented to mark special moments and meaningful connection.”
Glenfiddich XS 15 Years Old was aged in a combination of American and European oak casks and was given an oloroso Sherry cask finish. Tasting notes include green apple, warm cinnamon, light spice, gentle oak sweetness, depth and vibrancy.
Glenfiddich XS 18 Years Old also used American and European oak casks, but the whisky was finished in rare Moscatel Sherry casks. The result is a whisky with caramelised fruit, treacle toffee, raisin and dried apricot on the nose, leading to Sherry richness, oak tannin and a ‘whisper’ of antique leather on the palate.
Completing the lineup is Glenfiddich XS 21 Years Old, described as the ‘pinnacle of the range’. The whisky spent its years in American oak and oloroso Sherry casks, before being finished in rare Pexro Ximénez casks.
The single malt boasts raw cane sugar, muscovado syrup and sun-dried dates and figs on the nose. The palate is said to be deep, full-bodied, with layers of complex oak, woody spice, and dried fruits.
All three whiskies clock in at 42% ABV. Glenfiddich XS 15 has an RRP of £58 (US$74), Glenfiddich XS 18 has an RRP of £88 (US$118), and Glenfiddich XS 21 will cost RRP £170 (US$227).
Dave Broom, author of Whisky: The Manual, commented: “Using a base of mature stock aged in both ex-Sherry and ex-American oak casks then finished in either oloroso, Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez, three different expressions of the distillery’s character are shown.
“Its base of fresh apple and grass, the chocolate note which develops over time; its ability to absorb flavour while retaining an energy that allows it to continue to evolve over decades – this is a welcome extension to the Glenfiddich range, which will hopefully introduce its qualities to a new audience.”
Charles Maclean MBE, a published whisky author and master of the Quaich, added: “All three expressions surprised me.
“Finishing in different styles of Sherry-seasoned casks has given each whisky a greater depth of character, an added dimension and complexity, while not masking the original character of the distillate. By design, the Sherry influence is subtle and understated.”
In September, Glenfiddich launched a global travel retail campaign with the Aston Martin Formula One team.
In other whisky news, earlier this year SB explored the pros and cons of the Scotch whisky industry’s focus on the prestige end of the market.
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