Speyside based scotch whisky distillery, Glenfiddich, has collaborated with French artist André Saraiva to launch Grand Château, its newest limited edition in the Grand Series of whiskies.
Glenfiddich Grand Château is a 31 year old whisky, marking the distillery’s first venture into using Bordeaux red wine casks. Developed by the company’s malt master, Brian Kinsman, the whisky is initially matured in American oak, followed by an extended nine-year finish in Bordeaux red wine casks from France's prestigious wine-growing region.
This meticulous process adds layers of new and unexpected flavours, resulting in a rich whisky where caramelised cherry and apple intertwined with warming spice and toasted oak.
Glenfiddich's creative collaboration lead & ambassador, Ross Blainey, said the company’s 136 years of heritage, tradition, and experience have been used to innovate its whisky.
“This release is no exception; it is simply beautiful. André and his iconic character Mr. A have redefined the world of street art,” said Blainey.
“We share a passion for innovation and changing the world through art. To bring this single malt to life with them is an incredible experience.
“André’s creative spirit perfectly aligns with Glenfiddich's love of pushing boundaries and we have continued to do that with our new whisky. The Bordeaux red wine casks impart an incredible flavour of ripe cherry and beautiful oak; we're thrilled with the results of this nine-year maturation.
“The marriage of Glenfiddich's signature orchard fruit style with the incredible depth of oak and vanilla creates a truly extraordinary spirit,” he said.
Saraiva, an internationally renowned artist who has previously collaborated with other global luxury brands, has worked with Glenfiddich to visualise the Grand Château world. Bringing to life the exquisite liquid and collision of French and Scottish cultures, Saraiva has partnered with Glenfiddich to launch Grand Chateau Limited Edition.
This whisky is a single limited drop with six exclusive bottles of the Australian allocation available in the Glenfiddich Grand Chateau Artist Edition packs – featuring Andrea’s signature Mr. A character, and sold exclusively through ballot.
The unexpected marriage of Speyside with Bordeaux provided the inspiration for Saravia’s artwork for the packaging. He has juxtaposed a traditional Toile de Jouy print and used it as a canvas on which he has applied his signature motifs and style, disrupting the art form.
The Artist Edition outer casings feature Saraiva’s signature ‘Mr.A’ character - a figure that has travelled the world from the streets of Paris to New York, Shenzhen, London and Seoul, and within this design can be seen playfully selecting the extended Bordeaux red wine cask finished whisky at Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland. The artist’s six limited edition as well as the wider release will feature a bright and bold watercolor print by Saravia on the inside of the box.
“When Glenfiddich asked me (and Mr.A) to work with them it felt like a perfect match. I am a lover of whisky and the connection to France with this bespoke liquid allowed for a huge amount of creativity,” said Saraiva.
“ I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful land of Scotland where I was able to truly experience the history and heritage, the people, the inspiring surroundings and taste Glenfiddich. These unique adventures are reflected in my drawings and art for my collaboration with Glenfiddich.”
Grand Château is the latest addition to the Grand series, which includes Grand Yozakura, a limited edition 29 Year Old whisky and the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks; 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 Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then
finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; and Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks.
Glenfiddich Grand Château is available from luxury whisky retailers for RRP $2930.
