Glenfiddich Experimental Series – IPA Cask Finish – 43% abv

Info: Since at least 2009, Grant’s has had their “Cask Editions – Ale Cask Finish” offering. Now Glenfiddich (the same company as Grant’s) has what they describe as “The first experiment of its kind. Malt Master Brian Kinsman collaborated with Seb Jones, an entrepreneurial Speyside brewer, to create a new craft IPA and pioneer the way for a new kind of single malt scotch whisky”. Hopefully the previous 7 years of experience has helped them in this experiment, let’s see…
Colour: Clear and bright gold.
Nose: Like the nose, it’s clear and bright! Full of malty goodness and layered with fruits, green and red apples with summer grass.
Palate: It’s nice and easy on your tongue, easy to drink, yet enough strength to make it interesting. Plenty of flavours, you can tell it’s Glenfiddich, it had those grassy notes, but it’s got a little more than that on top with extra malt and fruits.
Finish: The finish is almost tingly, refreshing and fairly thick, with some black pepper to spice things up. There’s plenty of malt, but also the oak notes you’d expect. I don’t really get any hoppy notes, maybe other would.
Thoughts: It’s really drinkable, and quite good fun! It’s tasty… and given the option of regular Glenfiddich’s or this, I’d go for this! It’s more of a session whisky, so I’m glad the price point isn’t any higher.
Available: Around £45, sold out on many websites, but still available on Tesco Online and Amazon. Grant’s Cask Editions – Ale Cask Finish can be found for under £20, and worth a try if you spot it!

Thanks to my friend Andy over at The Amateur Drammer for the sample.

Comments or questions? Why not come and find me on twitter @steveprentice.