Whiskey Wednesday – Glenfiddich IPA Cask

In recent years the collaboration of distillers and brewers has become a bit more evident and is one way to bring beer drinkers into the world of whiskey. Legendary distiller, Glenfiddich, from the Speyside region of Scotland has also joined in on a project that brings the bond of these two beverages a bit closer.

Glenfiddich has a rich history that dates back to 1887, as the distiller takes its name from the Gaelic meaning for Valley of the Deer. Through the years the Scottish distiller has produced all sorts of whisky, mainly classic styles but a few years ago it created a Single Malt Scotch Whiskey that was finished in India Pale Ale casks that resulted in the release of Glenfiddich IPA Cask. Part of the Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series of Whisky, this project came to be when Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, collaborated with Seb Jones, an entrepreneurial Speyside brewer, to create a traditional India Pale Ale and then incorporate the beer in a new kind of Single Malt Scotch whisky that is bottled at 86 proof.

The pair worked together on creating an exhilarating, contemporary whisky that brought forth flavors expected from a single malt and that from an IPA. What has resulted is one that has hit the mark as the IPA does add elements not normally expressed in a Scotch Whisky.

Glenfiddich IPA Cask pours a dark golden color that leaves a bit of legs in the Glencairn glass after a swirl or two. It’s in the nose of the whisky that the subtle aromas of a hops and citrus shine through creating an interesting twist to this whisky. Strong flavors of malt with a smidgen of lemon come through with vanilla flavors following up before a bit of sweetness lingers on the tongue.

In Oregon, Glenfiddich IPA Cask retails at $52.95 per 750mL. A bottle can be located by using the OLCC Liquor Search. The whisky can also be located by visiting the Where to Buy portion of the Glenfiddich website.