Glenfiddich has has teamed up with the Goodwood estate to create Glenfiddich Goodwood. Made from an extraordinary 1979 cask, just three bottles of the exclusive whisky have been created.
A celebration of Goodwood and Glenfiddich’s historic connection, each decanter is paired with a VIP experience at a renowned Goodwood motorsport event: Goodwood Members’ Meeting, the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, as well as a photograph taken and signed by renowned Formula 1 photographer Rainer Schlegelmilch, each also signed by motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. All three unique lots will be auctioned for charity at the Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh on December 7, 2021 with all proceeds going to Race Against Dementia, a charity founded by Sir Jackie that raises and allocates monies to research into a prevention or cure for dementia.
The three decanters of Glenfiddich Goodwood have been drawn by Malt Master Brian Kinsman from a hand-selected cask, No. 11136, which has lain untouched in Glenfiddich’s historic Warehouse 8 for 42 years. The contents of the refill American Oak hogshead barrel have quietly matured since April 13, 1979, creating a unique expression. “Cask 11136 is a stunning example of Glenfiddich, with an oaky, sweet and long lasting taste,” said Kinsman. “It has reached a perfection that few casks will ever achieve and is the ideal whisky to celebrate our long standing relationship with Goodwood.” Each liquid is contained in a handblown crystal decanter by renowned French crystalmaker, Baccarat.
The connection between Glenfiddich and Goodwood can be traced back to 1836 when a chance inheritance handed Gordon Castle, and its vast estate reaching down to the River Fiddich, to the fifth Duke of Richmond. Alarmed by the behaviour and illicit distilling undertaken by his new tenants, the new Duke used political influence and commercial nous to ensure distilling became legal; thereby paving the way for William Grant to build the Glenfiddich Distillery. A marriage between Grant’s daughter, Isabella, and a son of a tenant farmer on the Cabrach Estate that neighboured the Gordon Estate created a lasting bond. The Dukes of Richmond and Gordon soon made annual sporting pilgrimages from Goodwood to Glenfiddich Lodge for their Highland holidays.
“I am thrilled this exciting collaboration has brought together the Goodwood Estate and Glenfiddich to create three exquisite bottles of whisky, raising money for our incredible Festival of Speed charity,” said Duke of Richmond. “Thank you to our estate partner Bonhams, for hosting these very special lots within their auction. We look forward to welcoming the successful bidders to our headline motorsport events next year.”
Claudia Falcone, Global Brand Director for Glenfiddich commented, “today’s very special run of just three bottles is one of the many ideas that has come from close collaboration between Goodwood and Glenfiddich. It draws on a shared history and Scotch whisky’s emergence as a collectable asset-class to create a lasting legacy for the important research undertaken by Race Against Dementia. We are delighted to contribute to Bonhams’ whisky sale and continue to provide a contemporary twist to connections first established over two-hundred years ago.”
Bonhams has given a low estimate for each lot of £6,500.
In the passion asset class, collectible whisky and desirable classic automobiles have both seen a strong growth. Investment growth research by Knight Frank has found that classic cars remain a solid investment as assets that give tremendous pleasure.
Scotch brands and automakers have been teaming up more and more in recent years. In July, The Macallan and Bentley Motors unveiled a new partnership. Elsewhere, The Bowmore and Aston Martin have unveiled three joint releases: the 21-year-old Bowmore Masters’ Selection, a trio of whiskies dubbed The Designed by Aston Martin collection, and Black Bowmore DB5 1964.
For more information, head over to Bonhams’ official website.