Cherry blossom season gets a new companion: Glenfiddich's Grand Yozakura
Glenfiddich reveals Grand Yozakura, a limited edition whisky that pays homage to Japanese culture
Glenfiddich has created the first single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in exceptionally rare Japanese ex-Awamori casks, the latest release within the renowned Grand Series. It is a limited edition fusion celebrating the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan.
The Grand Series are extraordinary single malts characterised by innovative and experimental cask finishing. The new Grand Yozakura is a 29 Year Old whisky matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown and finished in oak casks that previously matured the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori, producing a finish unlike any other.
Awamori is made using long grain indica rice and traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks. It is said that the technique for making the spirit has not been altered in over 500 years. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks making them exceptionally rare. Grand Yozakura celebrates Hanami - the “cherry blossom festival”, where Japan appreciates the temporal beauty of nature through the sakura. A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura’. This fleeting moment captures a time where nature is honoured and this marriage of rare liquids, once gone, will never be replicated presenting a transient chance to experience a beautiful collision of cultures and flavours. Reflecting its namesake and the temporal nature of beauty, only a limited number of Grand Yozakura bottles are available globally.
Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, commented:
“We are always looking to experiment with new finishes so when the chance arose to acquire rare ex-Awamori casks we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries and experiment with this highly unusual spirit. This is the first time that single malt Scotch whisky has been finished in these rare casks. We always learn something new when we lead with innovation so taking a risk is worth it, and in the case of Awamori we trialled a very small number of casks at a younger age first.
“Awamori is much like whisky, with a diverse range of flavours. Since embarking on this fusion, it’s been fascinating to focus on the oak and how it has been changed and adapted by contact with another spirit. The six month finish in exceptionally rare ex-Awamori Casks compliments the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and lifting the flavour to a new level, accentuating the mouthfeel characters and zingy herbal notes unlike any in the series, or anything I have tasted before.”
Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director, said:
“The Grand Series underpins Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and Grand Yozakura is no exception. It is perhaps the most ground-breaking expression to sit alongside the series so far, whilst also being the first limited edition release. Bringing together two scarce components accentuates the anticipation and sense of occasion, paying homage to the brand’s innovative nature when it comes to creating dynamic whiskies of the highest quality.”
The packaging of Grand Yozakura brings this meeting of cultures to life with a signature illustration, created by Japanese artist June who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes. The packaging includes a bespoke topper and traditional poem printed onto each specially designed outer.
An online ballot will guarantee 24 winners the chance to be amongst the first in the world to purchase this limited-edition Glenfiddich, shipped directly from the Glenfiddich Distillery. Available to enter until the 4thApril, successful entrants will be contacted on 5th April. To register and for further information please visit the Glenfiddich website. *
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura 29 Year Old will be available for purchase from 28th of March 2023 at Harrods and other selected retailers across UK at a recommended retailer price of £1,500.
Grand Yozakura is the latest addition to the series, which includes Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks; and Grande Couronne, a 26 year old Scotch whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks. Glenfiddich is proud to be The World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch whisky
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura - Tasting notes:
Nose - Zesty, ripe fruits and caramelised almonds. Lovely rich oak notes with hints of cinnamon and a distinctive herbal zing.
Taste - Indulgent layers of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee, and silky tannin. Sporadic bursts of spice and sherbet lemons with crunchy green apple and warming earthy tones.
Finish - Long lasting oak.
