The Whisky That Changed History

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Glenfiddich reveals 'The Original' whisky. A unique expression inspired by the 1963 Straight Malt, the first ever single malt to be actively marketed internationally, effectively establishing the entire single malt category we know today. A reproduction of the original Glenfiddich Straight Malt, this release is an exclusive addition to the family run distiller's collection of whiskies and will be available exclusively in the US, and Taiwan in 2014.

1963 was the year the whisky world changed forever when Sandy Grant Gordon and Charles Grant Gordon, following in the footsteps of their pioneering forefathers, took the bold decision to launch Glenfiddich Straight Malt – the term used to describe single malt - worldwide, something no other distiller had done before. Previously blended whisky dominated the market and single malt was only available on request to very few in the know. Now a new whisky category was born and for the first time it was available worldwide.

Today, Glenfiddich's Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, has faithfully replicated a true taste of history. By skilfully nosing and tasting the original 1963 sample and following the original recipe from one of Glenfiddich's 1960s leather bound ledgers; he has exactly reproduced its celebrated fresh and fruity taste.

Brian Kinsman commented: "Glenfiddich has an unrivalled collection of rare and aged single malts from which we can draw on to create innovative whiskies. Using this collection we were able to replicate the original Glenfiddich Straight Malt. Glenfiddich The Original is a true taste of history. It's an honour to unveil this exclusive whisky which is light and fruity with hints of sherry spice from the European oak sherry butts that were predominantly used in the 1960s."

Peter Gordon, Glenfiddich Company Director added: "Glenfiddich The Original is testament to the family's vision and independence, which has allowed us to continuously strive to innovate and create superior whiskies. Glenfiddich The Original is a prime example of this and a tribute to my father, Sandy, and Uncle Charles' achievement of introducing single malt Scotch to the world."

The heritage of Glenfiddich The Original is reflected through the bottle design. Presented in the iconic triangular bottle, it sits in a classic black presentation box embossed with gold. The limited edition expression also comes with a booklet that details the whisky's rich history, making Glenfiddich The Original a unique experience for single malt aficionados.

Glenfiddich Original will be 40% ABV and available in select markets nationwide beginning November 2014 in luxury whisky retail outlets and premium establishments for a recommended retail price of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Tasting notes
Color
Rich Golden

Nose
A fruity, floral aroma with the hallmark Glenfiddich hint of pear. Subtle oak notes and a youthful biscuity character.

Taste
Pleasantly sweet with lively fruit notes and a soft vanilla oakiness. The flavours develop with the addition of a little water and to reveal delicate spices, citrus and fresh baked oatcakes.

Finish
Deliciously dry

About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's third largest blended Scotch Grant's® along with iconic premium spirits brands Hendrick's® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and Milagro® Tequila.

William Grant & Sons has been honored as "Distiller of the Year" by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge ten times over the past 15 years, and most recently by Whisky Advocate in 2013.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Grant's, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson's Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Montelobos Mezcal, Lillet, Art In The Age, The Knot, and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141112/158099

SOURCE William Grant & Sons, Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.grantusa.com