Glenfiddich 29 yo Grand Yozakura

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 45.1% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Grand Yozakura combines lengthy oak maturation with an unusual Japanese cask influence. The whisky matured for 29 years in American and European oak before receiving a six-month finish in casks that previously held Awamori from Okinawa. This Japanese spirit is made from rice. The limited Grand Series release is bottled at 45.1%. Glenfiddich describes it as the first single malt Scotch finished in ex-Awamori casks. “Yozakura” refers to viewing Japanese cherry blossom at night.

For the finish, Malt Master Brian Kinsman chose an unusual type of cask: Awamori traditionally matures in clay vessels, and only a few producers use oak casks. Glenfiddich initially tested a small number of these casks with younger whisky. In Grand Yozakura, the finishing period accentuates the mouthfeel and lively herbal notes.

The gift presentation reflects the cherry blossom theme through sakura motifs on the box. A specially designed stopper engraved with a Hanko stamp and a fabric wrap bearing a poem complete the presentation.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals lively, ripe fruit and caramelised almonds. Bold, layered oak notes mingle with a hint of cinnamon and a distinctive herbal accent.
• Palate: On the palate, toasted oak and creamy vanilla-toffee notes combine with silky tannins. Spice and tingling lemon notes emerge repeatedly, accompanied by crisp green apple and warming, earthy tones.
• Finish: Oak notes remain persistently present throughout the long finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

William Grant built Glenfiddich with his nine children. The first spirit flowed from the stills on Christmas Day 1887. The distillery in Dufftown remains part of the family-owned company William Grant & Sons. Grand Yozakura is an official Glenfiddich bottling.

Malt Master Brian Kinsman oversees the work with the unusual Awamori casks. His trials with younger whisky preceded their use for this long-matured release. The Grand Series pairs mature Glenfiddich with distinctive cask influences; Grand Yozakura extends this concept to a rice spirit from Okinawa.

Facts: