Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky recently revealed Grand Yozakura, the first-ever single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in rare Japanese Awamori casks.
Grand Yozakura is a 29-Year-Old Scotch whisky matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown and finished in oak casks that previously matured the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori. It is made using long-grain Indica rice and is traditionally stored in clay pots, with only a small proportion matured in oak casks, making the liquid exceptionally rare. It is said that the technique for making the spirit has remained the same for over 500 years.
Grand Yozakura is the latest entry into Glennfiddich’s ultra-premium Grand Series, a collection of single malts characterized by innovative and experimental cask finishing. The collection includes Glenfiddich Gran Reserva (Aged 21 Years), Glenfiddich Grand Cru (Aged 23 Years), and Glenfiddich Grande Couronne (Aged 26 Years).
“We are always looking to experiment with new finishes, so when the chance arose to acquire rare Awamori casks, we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries and experiment with this highly unusual spirit,” says Brian Kinsman, Malt Master, Glenfiddich. “This is the first time that single malt Scotch whisky has been finished in these rare casks. We always learn something new when we lead with innovation, so taking a risk is worth it, and in the case of Awamori, we trialed a very small number of casks at a younger age.”
Grand Yozakura is the first of a collection of limited-edition Grand Series expressions that are finished in rare casks from around the world, honoring a cultural celebration from that country. Glenfiddich’s Grand Yozakura expression celebrates Hanami, the cherry blossom festival when Japan appreciates the temporal beauty of nature through the sakura (cherry blossoms). A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark, where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura.’
Grand Yozakura is presented in a glass bottle with a bespoke stopper with beautiful Hanko stamp engraving, a label tear design with Hanko stamp embossing, and a decorated fabric capsule with a traditional poem on sakura. The bottle is placed in a rotating Grand Range box with cherry blossom florals, bringing Hanami to life with a signature illustration created by Japanese artist June, who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes.
Glenfiddich’s Grand Yozakura is available in very limited quantities for $1,999.
