Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, announces a prestigious, long-term collaboration with Baccarat – world famous manufacturer of the finest crystal glassware.
Unveiled at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2015 in Cannes, the Glenfiddich-Baccarat partnership represents a new level of luxury and exclusivity for whisky aficionados. The collaboration has proudly produced its first co-developed product, Glenfiddich Cask Collection Finest Solera, the first in a series of rare whisky expressions.
This is the latest and rarest expression in the Cask Collection Series, a range exclusive to travel retail, and is presented in a unique, hand-blown, numbered and signed Baccarat decanter.
The partnership between Glenfiddich and Baccarat is founded on joint values of perfection, innovation, craftsmanship, heritage and a profound appreciation for the finer things in life. French crystal glassware company Baccarat has a proud history, stretching back over 250 years. It was in 1764 that King Louis XV of France gave permission to found a glassworks in the town of Baccarat. Since then, the company has been creating fine crystal for kings and queens, royalty, emperors and the rich and famous.
Glenfiddich is a family run business founded by William Grant in 1887 who set about to create ‘the best dram in the valley’. More than 127 years later, Glenfiddich has built an unrivalled reputation for producing exclusive and rare whiskies of outstanding excellence. Glenfiddich has won more awards than any other whisky in the world, and is renowned for its prestigious collection of single malt Scotch whiskies.
Philip Gladman, Global Chief Marketing Officer for William Grant & Sons comments: “As a family business we’ve always cherished our independence and the fact that it allows us to push the boundaries of what it means to enjoy whisky. The partnership with Baccarat enables us to take the Glenfiddich experience to new levels of hand-crafted luxury. The stunning presentation of the whisky matches the exceptional flavour profile of this superlative single malt. Travellers who select this product can do so knowing that they are purchasing a masterpiece, and that centuries of craftsmanship have gone into producing each one-of-a-kind.”
Stéphane Decaux, Vice President of Baccarat’s Home Business Unit adds: “What greater compliment for our glassmakers than to be crafting decanters for the world’s most distinguished Scotch whisky. We take great pleasure in knowing that we have added to the renowned Glenfiddich experience, and we hope that contemporary connoisseurs of style, elegance and taste will savour every precious moment.”
Glenfiddich’s Malt Master Brian Kinsman selected up to 20 of the finest casks from Glenfiddich’s extensive collection of rare whiskies, which have been maturing in Glenfiddich Bourbon and American Oak casks. He then married these whiskies for at least two months using Glenfiddich’s unique Solera process, in a specially created tun that can only hold 2,000 litres, creating a rich, balanced whisky with complex flavours. The Solera process guarantees the continuity of the whisky’s flavour and taste as the tun is never less than half full and is constantly replenished.
Only when Brian believes the liquid is ready will he release the whisky, which is then hand-decanted into exquisite Baccarat decanters. Each batch is numbered, and there will be a maximum of 600 bottles per batch. With Brian carefully selecting different casks for each new batch, no two batches will ever be the same.
Adding to the rarity of this premium product is the decanter itself, which is individually hand-blown by Baccarat master glassmakers, meaning each one is truly unique. Every individual decanter is marked with a bottle number, and the batch number is hand-written on the label alongside the signature of Brian Kinsman. The neck collar and stopper are made from premium copper, with hand-engraved Glenfiddich wording and the iconic stag emblem. The red cartouche, a reference to the iconic Baccarat red logo, is created using 24 carat gold powder and is proudly displayed on the bottle in tribute to the skill and traditions of Baccarat’s craftsmen.
This highly desirable travellers’ exclusive is sold complete with a beautiful presentation box, making it an ideal premium gift or special purchase for lovers of luxury and the finer things in life.
The Glenfiddich Cask Collection – Finest Solera is available exclusively at Global Travel Retail outlets with a recommended retail price of £1,750.
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Honey Gold
Nose: Rich vanilla and toffee notes overlaid with a deep oakiness. Adding a few drops of water releases a ripe autumn fruitiness, full of red berries, rich apricots and poached pear.
Taste: Velvety smooth and mellow. Luxurious oak and sweet crème brûlée flavours intertwine with soft spices, raw cane sugar and caramelised fruit.
Finish: Beautiful with a long-lasting sweetness.
