Glenfiddich has unveiled Grande Couronne, the latest edition to its Grand Series. The 26 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky is the third release in the collection, joining the 21 Year Old Gran Reserva and 23 Year Old Grand Cru.
Initially matured in American and European oak casks, the Glenfiddich Grande Couronne was then finished for two years in Cognac casks. It is described as “vibrant and lively with an abundance of toasty oak sweetness.” Expect notes of a French pâtisserie, freshly-baked Tarte Tatin and buttery choux pastry. It is deep, smooth, and “indulgently sweet” with flavors of cafe creme, brown sugar, and a hint of spice.
“The Grand Series perfectly encapsulates Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and our ability to experiment with aged liquid and intriguing finishes,” said Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman. “Grande Couronne is the latest to exemplify that approach. It is the only Glenfiddich single malt that has matured in American and European oak casks and finished in rare French Cognac casks. The length of the finish, two years, is highly unusual and adds extra layers of sweet toasted oak and velvety aromas of café crème, brown sugar and soft spice.”
Created by East London Design Company HERE design, the bottle and packaging are adorned with an ornamental gold filigree, and artwork reminiscent of renaissance paintings are featured inside the box. Glenfiddich Gran Reserva’s bottle and packaging has also received a stylish redesign.
“Glenfiddich’s maverick spirit is very much alive and well in this new release,” commented Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director. “Grande Couronne adds a crowning glory to any occasion offers a true taste of opulence and brings together the unexpected marriage of two luxury worlds.”
Bottled at 43.8% ABV, Glenfiddich Grande Couronne has launched in the United Kingdom and can be found at Harrods, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt, and Whisky World for £450 ($620 USD) per 70cl bottle.
Last year, we sat down with Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Allan Roth to learn more the distillery’s iconic 12 Year Old, which revolutionized the industry.
This sounds delicious – I think it is worth a trip to Harrods to find it. You had me at French patisserie and Tarte Tatin. Deep, smooth, and indulgently sweet — sounds divine.
Glenfiddich and Glenlivet both seem to have deals with airlines like Delta and American to stock the blandest breakfast whisky possible. Talking about a maverick spirit seems like a bit of a stretch but I dig the three different cask strategy. Sounds like a good dessert dram potentially.