Glenfiddich unveils Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition. Created to celebrate the exceptional skills of Glenfiddich’s sixth Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, this new variant is Glenfiddich’s first whisky to be ‘double matured’ in two different casks – traditional oak and Sherry, yet another example of Glenfiddich’s pioneering spirit.

 

A chemist by training, Brian Kinsman became Glenfiddich Malt Master in December 2009, having first served an eight year apprenticeship under his predecessor David Stewart, who held the post for 35 years – the industry’s longest serving Malt Master.

 

As Malt Master, Brian Kinsman is in charge of the pioneering Glenfiddich whisky making process; from cask selection and overseeing the marrying of different ages and characters – a Glenfiddich speciality that ensures consistency in the quality – to managing the unique maturation processes within the Dufftown warehouses.

 

“It is a great honour to be Glenfiddich’s sixth Malt Master since the company was founded in 1887,” said Brian Kinsman. “I am very proud that Glenfiddich is launching the Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition range as a tribute to the pioneering craftsmanship that goes into each and every bottle of whisky we produce. It is particularly exciting to be announcing the innovative release of our first-ever whisky to be matured in two different casks, delivering a truly unique taste.”

 

The double maturation process delivers a rich, ruby-red whisky with a complex nose, intermingling damp earth and whisky-soaked wood with deep vanilla and a touch of smoky embers. At first taste, the whisky has a sherbet zing which then slowly takes on a spicy, fruity character of plum and cherry with hints of toasted almond and wedding cake. The finish is silky and smooth.

 

 

The First batches were called “Sherry Cask”. Due to SWA regulations, this had to be changed to double matured. So only the 2011 batches contains that name. Up to 2020, they were bottled in batches, containing a batchcode on the bottle. As per brand relaunch in 2021, the batch code disappeared. 

 

Nose: Damp earth and whisky-soaked wood intertwine with deep vanilla and smoky embers.

Taste: Rich with complex flavors layered by double-maturation. Sherbet and zinginess slowly turn to spice. Tempting plum and cherry follow, with hints of toasted almonds and fruit cake.

Finish: Silky and smooth.

Colour: Deep ruby red.

ABV: 43%

 

The batchcode was always formatted as the 2 last digits of the year it was bottled and the number of batch created in that year. eg. 12/4 was the fourth batch in 2012.