Glenfiddich Introduces 12-Year-Old Scotch Whisky Finished in ‘Extremely Rare’, Distinctive Sherry Casks

Glenfiddich added a single malt whisky aged in rare sherry casks to its core program. (Photo: Glenfiddich)

Glenfiddich has added a new whisky to its core range — a 12-year-old single malt scotch finished in Amontillado sherry casks. The whisky was initially released in a limited format in September 2022.

This scotch whisky was aged in a mixture of American and European Oak casks before being finished in Amontillado sherry casks, according to the brand. The whisky hosts a suggested retail price of $54.99 per 750-milliliter bottle.

When discussing the spirit’s initial release, which was limited to a rollout in California and Florida, the brand claimed this particular expression filled a “flavor gap” within the brand’s core program. It is described as a “sherry-forward single malt.”

Now that the whisky is a part of the brand’s core portfolio, it will be available in New York and Illinois markets.

“The core character of Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish remains true to the heart of our signature Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old with a sweet, fruitiness rich in fresh pear and crisp apple,” Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman said in a news release. “The flavor is deeper, sweeter and oakier with light spice, delicate hints of dried fruits, and a touch of baked apple.”

Amontillado is a distinctive sherry category. Food and Wine claims it is “the Goldilocks of the sherry world.”

It’s not quite as light and saline as a Fino sherry, nor is it as dark and oxidative as an Oloroso sherry. This particular sherry sits somewhere in between yet still has some pleasantly nutty oxidative notes. The brand claims that Amontillado casks are “extremely rare” and statistically represent 1.8% of all sherry that is made.

In March 2023, the brand released Glenfiddich’s Grand Yozakura, a single malt scotch finished in casks that initially held Awamori. Awamori is considered to be the oldest distilled spirit in Japan. Glenfiddich claimed this release marked the first time a single malt scotch was finished in Awamori casks.

As for Glenfiddich’s 12-year-old Amontillado-finished whisky, the brand claims that the choice of these rare sherry casks “bring a new vibrancy” to the scotch whisky.

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