Glenfiddich 29 Year Old Grand Yozakura is a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, the first Scotch whisky of its kind finished in Japanese Awamori casks. The whisky matured for 29 years in American and European oak casks at the Glenfiddich distillery before being transferred to rare Japanese Awamori casks. Bottled at 45.1% ABV.
The hallmark of this edition is its finish. After maturing in American and European oak casks for 29 years, Grand Yozakura rests for six months in exceptionally rare casks that previously held Awamori rice spirit from Okinawa. Awamori is an Okinawan spirit made from Indica rice inoculated with koji mould, fermented with yeast, distilled just once and stored in clay jars. According to malt master Brian Kinsman, this is the first time a single malt Scotch whisky has been finished in these rare casks – the team decided to experiment with this highly unusual spirit when the opportunity to acquire the casks arose.
The nose reveals citrus, ripe fruit and caramelised almonds, rich oak notes with hints of cinnamon and a distinct herbal lift. The palate unfolds in layers of toasted oak, creamy vanilla fudge and silky tannins, with occasional bursts of spice and lemon sorbet, crisp green apple and warming, earthy tones. The colour is deep gold, the finish long and oaky.
The name draws on Japanese tradition. Grand Yozakura, meaning “admiring cherry blossoms at night”, is the fleeting moment when Japanese cherry blossoms are admired by moonlight. This is the fourth release in the Glenfiddich Grand Series, which has previously featured whiskies aged for over twenty years, including Grand Cru, Gran Reserva and Grande Couronne. The edition is bottled at 0.7 l.