Glenfiddich has just announced the launch of their XS series, a trio of single malts set to arrive first in China in November.

Glenfiddich's Malt Master Brian Kinsman said: “Glenfiddich XS is a whisky crafted with a new generation of whisky drinkers in mind, where whisky rituals and drinking moments are being reinvented to mark special moments and meaningful connection.”

The details of the three expressions are:

• Glenfiddich XS 15 Years Old: Aged in a combination of American and European oak casks with an Oloroso Sherry cask finish.
  • Tasting notes include green apple, warm cinnamon, light spice, gentle oak sweetness, depth and vibrancy.

• Glenfiddich XS 18 Years Old: Also using American and European oak casks, the whisky was finished in rare Moscatel Sherry casks.
  • Tasting notes include caramelised fruit, treacle toffee, raisin and dried apricot on the nose, leading to Sherry richness, oak tannin and faint antique leather on the palate. 

• Glenfiddich XS 21 Years Old: Described as the ‘pinnacle of the range’. The whisky spent its years in American oak and Oloroso Sherry casks, before being finished in rare Pedro Ximénez casks.
  • Tasting notes are said to include raw cane sugar, muscovado syrup and sun-dried dates and figs on the nose. The palate is said to be deep, full-bodied, with layers of complex oak, woody spice, and dried fruits.

Dave Broom, author of Whisky: The Manual, said: “Using a base of mature stock aged in both ex-Sherry and ex-American oak casks then finished in either Oloroso, Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez, three different expressions of the distillery’s character are shown.

“Its base of fresh apple and grass, the chocolate note which develops over time; its ability to absorb flavour while retaining an energy that allows it to continue to evolve over decades – this is a welcome extension to the Glenfiddich range, which will hopefully introduce its qualities to a new audience.”

All three whiskies were bottled at 42% ABV. Glenfiddich XS 15 has an MSRP of £58 (US$74), Glenfiddich XS 18 has an MSRP of £88 (US$118), and Glenfiddich XS 21 has an MSRP of £170 (US$227).

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team