THE SELECTION OF THE ANNUAL GLENFIDDICH VINTAGE RESERVE

An apprentice craftsman or professional can receive many years of mentoring from an experienced virtuoso before he or she reaches the high proficiency levels of a master.

To illustrate the real understanding that comes with unhurried observation and development of character over years, rather than days or weeks, Glenfiddich Malt Master David Stewart invited three 'masters' and their 'pupils', to assist him in the selection of the Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve.

On Monday 9th July 2007, the six panel members joined David and his apprentice Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, at The Glenfiddich Distillery to select a single cask from Warehouse 8 for bottling.

The 'masters and pupils' involved in the selection process were:

Anthony Demetre, Head Chef of London's critically acclaimed Arbutus and Wild Honey restaurants, and Alan Christie, Sous Chef of Arbutus;
Aurelien Guichard, a premier fine fragrance perfumer from the world leader in scent creation, Givaudan, and Guillaume Flavigny, Junior Perfumer, Givaudan;
John Hansell, Publisher and Editor of the United States' leading whisky magazine, Malt Advocate, and Lew Bryson, Managing Editor, Malt Advocate.

Fragrances or flavours or both are paramount to the profession of each of the panel members and key for detecting the fine qualities of a Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve.

RECENT AWARDS

• Silver Medal 2008
  International Wine & Spirits
  Competition (IWSC)
  Best in Class

See more awards.

A PERFECTLY MATURED GLENFIDDICH

Cask number 516 was filled with new-make Glenfiddich spirit on 16th January 1976. Over the 31 years it lay in a distillery warehouse, the European oak butt, which had formerly been used to mature Spanish sherry, has gently imparted a full and distinguished character into its contents.

On a warm summer's afternoon, the selection panel declared the aged single malt Scotch whisky worthy for bottling as a Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve. Yielding 549 70cl bottles at 51.9% ABV, the Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve 1976 is packaged in a solid oak presentation box and distributed to appreciative whisky drinkers around the world.

TASTING NOTES

Colour
Rich golden.

Nose
An elegant nose with fragrant floral (violets) notes and a hint of fresh mint. On addition of water a complex array of fruity aromas are released. Tropical fruit, pineapple, orange, apple and fresh pear.

Taste
Beautifully sweet and silky smooth. Exotic floral notes and rich fruit, mandarin orange and ripe mango. Evolving into deep, complex, oaky flavours with a rewarding sweet glow.

Finish
Warming with a lingering sweetness.

Comment
This Glenfiddich has matured for over 30 years in a European oak cask. It has all the hallmarks of a great Glenfiddich vintage with an additional intriguing, complex, fruity character.

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK

Please click PLAY to see a short film of the selection process.