11th Jun 2019

Distillery Profile: Glenfiddich

  • glenfiddich
  • scotch
  • scotland
  • speyside
  • whisky
Distillery Profile: Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich is the world’s best-selling single malt whisky. The distillery is of legendary status, has over 25 bottles in their lineup (including rare and vintage editions), and is located in the Scottish region of Speyside. Glenfiddich was founded by William Grant in 1887 after building the distillery with his own hands and the help of his children and a single stone mason. He names it Glenfiddich, Gaelic for Valley of the Deer, and the first drop of spirit falls from his copper stills on Christmas Day 1887. After Grant’s passing his children and grandchildren ran the distillery and added key elements to the facility, like onsite copper smiths and an onsite cooperage. One of the greatest innovations known to whisky consumers would come in 1961, with the production of the iconic Glenfiddich triangular bottle.

Through that iconic bottle, Glenfiddich continued to grow and filled that bottle with an ever growing line up of single malt whiskies. These whiskies, that include their core line up, experimental series, cask collection, and rare and special editions; have gone on to win big at whisky competitions and at auctions. In 2011, Glenfiddich set a world record with the highest selling single malt ever sold at auction. Only 11 bottles of Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve were released worldwide. Each was auctioned for charity, setting world records. The bottle was named after the last grandchild of William Grant.

The Glenfiddich 12 year is the distillery’s flagship bottle, with signature notes of pear that mingles with oak, malt, cream, and butterscotch flavors. The core line-up is built upon this flavor foundation and comes in a 1518, and 21 year old expressions, as well as a 14 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve that pours Scotland sophistication with a Kentucky kick.

The Glenfiddich Experimental series includes 4 innovative expressions. The most recent is the Fire and Cane expression that was created by marrying single malt whisky with bourbon barrel aged whisky and then finishing them in Latin rum casks for a smoky and sweet sensation.

Glenfiddich continues to innovate the Scotch whisky arena with high quality products that run the full range of price and accessibility. This bastion of the art of whisky will be known as a vital force in the history and future of world spirits.