Glenfiddich is set to release the Grand Yozakura, the first single malt Scotch made in ex-Awamori casks. Glenfiddich malt master Brian Kinsman spoke about the new whisky: "We are always looking to experiment with new finishes, so when the chance arose to acquire rare ex-Awamori casks, we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries and experiment with this highly unusual spirit."
Awamori is the oldest known distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, made using long-grain indica rice and stored in clay pots. The whisky is created to celebrate Japan's cherry blossom season and is inspired by the culture presented in Japanese cherry blossom festivals. The whisky is aged for 29 years with six months in ex-Awamori casks. The addition of the ex-Awamori casks leaves a herbal flavor added to the Scottish taste of the whisky. The whisky is a part of Glenfiddich's 'Grand Series' and arrives with an illustration by Japanese artist June.
Cherry Blossom-Inspired Whiskies
Glenfiddich Set to Release Single Malt Scotch in Ex-Awamori Casks
Trend Themes
1. Cross-cultural Spirit Experimentation - Glenfiddich's use of ex-Awamori casks represents an opportunity for other distilleries to experiment with different cultural spirits in their aging process.
2. Celebration-inspired Spirits - The creation of Glenfiddich's Grand Yozakura demonstrates an opportunity to create spirits inspired by cultural celebrations around the world.
3. Herbal Flavors in Scotch - Glenfiddich's use of ex-Awamori casks gives the whisky a unique, herbal flavor, leading to an opportunity for experimentation with different types of oak casks in Scotch production.
Industry Implications
1. Whiskey and Spirits - The use of ex-Awamori casks in Glenfiddich's Grand Yozakura presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the whiskey and spirits industry to use cross-cultural experimentation to create unique flavors.
2. Cultural Event Marketing - The release of Glenfiddich's Grand Yozakura offers an opportunity for cultural event marketing campaigns to promote spirits inspired by cultural celebrations.
3. Art and Design - The collaboration with Japanese artist June to create the packaging and label design for Glenfiddich's Grand Yozakura presents an opportunity for art and design industries to collaborate with distilleries to create unique packaging and label designs.