The Glenfiddich Gallery has certainly raised the bar for what constitutes a unique, bespoke experience.
The Glenfiddich Gallery made its debut in the UK back in 2014 as an online portal that gives you access to Glenfiddich’s rare and unreleased single malts – for the first time, you will be able to choose from a range of whiskies personally selected by Malt Master Brian Kinsman for their unique taste and innovative finishes – and some are very different from the Glenfiddich expressions that we have come to be familiar with.
From whiskies finished in Bordeaux and rum casks, to those aged religiously in only sherry butts and refill bourbon barrels, the taste profiles of the collection run the whole gamut of flavours, from sweet to earthy, to fresh notes and deep oakiness, and represent a lesser seen side of the now ubiquitous distillery. “Here, people can access some of our finest private collection whiskies, giving them the opportunity to customise their dream dram,” said Matthew Fergusson-Stewart, Regional Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich. At launch, 33 casks were on display, with prices starting from S$950, and all the way to S$220,000 for a 1958 vintage matured in an ex-sherry butt.
Even the livery is customisable: choose from four primary colours and twelve accent colours that are closely tied to Glenfiddich’s long history; you may personalise the text on the bottle label and the engraving on the copper plaque for a truly unique gift for friends (or yourself, most like). If you know what your whisky-loving friends like, and they’re due a rather special gift, this definitely fits the bill. SiJie Leaw, Regional Brand Manager of Glenfiddich, added: “The Glenfiddich Gallery was created to be the definitive destination for the luxury gift giver or whisky connoisseur to put their individual stamp on a flavour they embody.”
But what truly sets the experience apart is the simplicity of it all, be it the visually pleasing interface or the actual mechanics of navigating the gallery. Visitors will be taken through a series of simple questions, which are designed to deconstruct their palate, culminating in a shortlist of suggested whiskies that will match your preferences.
Visit the Glenfiddich Gallery here.
Glenfiddich Gallery Pop-up
You can physically experience the Glenfiddich Gallery for yourself at a special pop-up at The Refinery from 13th – 31st December. Informal sessions will be hosted by representatives from William Grant & Sons (WGS), who will take you through the pop-up space. You’ll also be able to take part in special scent stimulations, discover a taste profile you enjoy, and find whiskies in the Glenfiddich Gallery that match your preferences. You will also get to sample some of the whiskies, although this subject to availability. As a momento, you’ll take home a personalised Glenfiddich Gallery postcard.
Admission is free and you’re free to walk in, but only 10 guests can be at the space at any time. To avoid disappointment and to have the full experience, Glenfiddich encourages you to RSVP for the public sessions here. You can also explore the gallery on your own from 19 – 31 December 2015, 11:00am to 11:30pm (within The Refinery’s opening hours), but WGS representatives may not be present to show you around (i.e. best to just sign up for the sessions).
