One of the most popular scotch brands in the world, Glenfiddich is beloved by Canadian whisky fans — and for good reason. It’s deliciously reliable and with a range of products under the brand, there is something for myriad budgets and tastes.
As the story goes, Glenfiddich began in 1886 — more than 130 years ago — when founder William Grant and his nine children, started their dream with a goal to build the world’s finest distillery. He named it Glenfiddich, a Gaelic word that means “valley of the deer.”
And on Christmas Day 1887, Grant’s copper stills were fired up for the first time.
These days, there’s the Glenfiddich 12-year-old, 14-year-old and 15 -year-old — well-priced bottles for gift-giving or cocktails this holiday season.
GLENFIDDICH GRAND CRU
Or pick up something a little more special, from the Glenfiddich Grand Series. These limited edition bottles are rare, and some are only available for a short time.
GLENFIDDICH GRAND CRU
The Grand Cru is a 23-year-old single malt, finished in French casks. Expect notes of vanilla, oak, sandalwood, pear and brioche. Serve neat; this sweetheart isn’t made for cocktails.
GLENFIDDICH 18 YEAR OLD
In Canada, the 18 year old is only available in Ontario — sad news for the rest of us. “Matured using Spanish Oloroso wood and American oak, this rich, intriguingly fruity and robust expression is extra special and limited in availability – making for a great gift this holiday season,” according to the news release. “Each batch of the multi-award-winning Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is individually numbered and carefully watched – ensuring each batch has extraordinary consistency and character rich with luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates.” Serve neat (aka without ice or water or other ingredients.)
GLENFIDDICH GRAND COURONNE
Also available only in Ontario, the Grand Couronne has been aged for 26 years with a longer finish in rare French cognac casks. “The glorious Grand Couronne is the epitome of opulence – its very name meaning crown in French,” according to the news release. “It is vibrant and lively with an abundance of toasty oak sweetness, reminiscent of a French patisserie.”
GLENFIDDICH GRAND YOZAKURA
Also only in Ontario, this limited-edition release — the first scotch to be finished in rare Japanese ex-Awarmori casks — is about admiring cherry blossoms under Yozakura, “cherry blossom viewing at night in Japanese,” according to the Glenfiddich team. “Indulgent layers of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee and silky tannin envelop the palate, with sporadic bursts of spice and sherbet lemons, crunchy green apple, and warming earth tones. Available only in Ontario, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Recipe: Fireside ‘Fiddich
“Bursting with warm, spicy flavours of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger, this full-bodied single malt makes for the perfect dram to cozy up with by the fire or to stir into a toasty holiday cocktail,” according to the news release. “The 15-Year-Old is a truly special single malt …Aged in European, American, and New American oak, the whisky is then mellowed in a unique Solera vat before being married in Portuguese oak tuns.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
- ¾ oz Amontillado Sherry
- ¾ oz Italian Sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz Dry Curacao
- 3 Dashes Chocolate Bitters
In a mixing glass, add all the ingredients. Fill with ice and stir well. Strain into chilled coupe glass. Serves one.