Glenfiddich
IPA Experiment

The first single malt scotch whisky finished in IPA craft beer casks

To Pioneer a new malt
We created a craft beer

In our first groundbreaking experiment, Malt Master Brian Kinsman has proven that traditional whisky casks can still be seasoned in a pioneering way. Collaborating with a local Speyside craft brewer, Brian created a bold and zesty IPA beer to imbue our rich oak casks with extra hoppy notes. The experiment resulted in the first single malt Scotch whisky ever finished in craft IPA casks. 

Craft brewer collaboration

“The idea behind the Glenfiddich IPA experiment was quite unusual, but one we were passionate about – we wanted to really play with the flavours to see what we could create.” ‒ Malt Master Brian Kinsman

Discover the taste Speyside Craft Brewery
brian photo
experiment 01

Finished in bespoke craft IPA barrels, our pioneering new malt is imbued with unique zesty citrus notes and the subtle tang of fresh hops. The flavour comes with carefully hand selecting the right malt whiskies to complement the extra hoppy notes.

Speyside Craft Brewery

The Process
How we created a new malt

   

When Brian Kinsman and Seb Jones met, it wasn’t long before they concocted a bold plan. Audacious, experimental and unique, Brian suggested creating a new Glenfiddich malt finished in IPA craft beer casks.

Seb & Brian
 
  • 1. Brewing the perfect IPA

    Our collaborators had a momentous task ahead. First, they had to design and create three separate brews of different strengths – freshly brewed IPA craft beer that could rest in whisky casks, later to be used to finish the Experimental Series variants.

    Read About THE PROCESS

  • 2. Seasoning the casks

    Back at our Distillery, Brian secretly kept up to nine barrels seasoning at any one time, hidden from view in his warehouse. He varied the time the craft beer spent penetrating deep into the oak casks, before filling the casks back up with whisky to see what new flavours would be revealed.

  • 3. The final expression

    It was a lengthy, experimental process but they finally decided on their favourite: Brew 2. The science of seasoning, beer strength and the time the whisky spent being finished all had a remarkable effect on the final, distinctive flavour.

  • 4. A Pioneering New Malt

    What began as a quirky idea had quickly turned into an intensive experiment. Not only had Brian pioneered a new malt, but he had created a new craft beer in the process.

Success doesn't just happen

It was a long process, but the results speak for themselves.

Speyside Craft Brewery

The Serve
A small twist makes all the difference

   

Our best minds got together to discover the perfect complement to this already extraordinary expression. And this is what they discovered.

IPA serve
orange
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METHOD

Step 1 Use a clean Glenfiddich IPA glass.

Step 2 Add a large ball of ice, measuring 55mm.

Step 3 Pour the preferred measure of Glenfiddich IPA.

Step 4 Peel a 2in slice of blood orange peel and run it around the rim of the glass.

Step 5 Give the peel a little twist and drop it into the glass.

Step 6 Serve on a Glenfiddich IPA beer mat.

Please Drink Responsibly

Experiment

Try running a twist of blood orange around the rim of your glass and drink. The orange will complement the zesty notes and showcase the sweetness of the whisky.


The Experiments Never Stop

Discover our next project

   

From one experiment to the next, we’ll always push the boundaries of the single malt.



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