Glenfiddich IPA Experiment - Experimental Series 01
Glenfiddich IPA Experiment - Experimental Series 01, NAS, 43 %
Glenfiddich IPA Experiment - Experimental Series 01
This is pretty cool, I think. Again one of the big players is out to try something new. Glenfiddich recently launched their Experimental Series. The first whisky released in this series is the Glenfiddich IPA Experiment - Experimental Series 01.
Here is what they say about this experiment:
In our first groundbreaking experiment, Malt Master Brian Kinsman has proven that traditional whisky casks can still be seasoned in a pioneering way. Collaborating with a local Speyside craft brewer, Brian created a bold and zesty IPA beer to imbue our rich oak casks with extra hoppy notes. The experiment resulted in the first single malt Scotch whisky ever finished in craft IPA casks.
Glenfiddich, and their Malt Master Brian Kinsman, collaborated with Speyside Craft Brewery for this experiment. They came up with a new IPA that will be launched in December, and of course this new expression of Glenfiddich with an IPA cask finish. The whole project took about 18 months, and they tried different brews (three different) and different lengths of seasoning of the casks. In the end they settled for 4 weeks of seasoning of American oak barrels (I am assuming fresh oak, but it does not say), and then the whisky was finished for 12 weeks in these seasoned casks.
The Glenfiddich IPA Experiment - Experimental Series 01 has not yet launched in Norway and Sweden, but this is expected shortly. You can pick up a bottle online at GBP 45.
Nose: Light and sugary sweetness. Mild summer fruits - I'm thinking apples mainly, but there is also citrus notes here. Some oak, malt and hops (yeah!) in the background. It improves significantly on the nose if you leave it in the glass for about half an hour. It develops a rich, warm spiciness with a touch of earthiness and warm fireplaces.
Taste: Light, cool and slightly oily mouthfeel. Feels a touch bitter-ish - is that the hops perhaps? Also ginger, oak and hard candy (malt drops). Herbal something way back in the background.
Finish: Medium to short finish. Sugary sweetness now, mixed with caramel vanilla ice cream and a hint of lemon.
Comments: Certainly an interesting experiment. It sort of works, and is different from any other single malt I have tried, which is exciting in itself.
Score (83/100)
Image from Master of Malt.
Sláinte! - Thomas
