Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura: Japanese Flair Meets Scotch Tradition

Glenfiddich, a range of premium single-malt whisky by William Grant & Sons is renowned for its steadfast dedication to creating the most exquisite whisky blends.

Recently introducing the newest addition to its prestigious Grand series, the Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura; Prestige Manager, William Grant & Sons, Eddie Madaki, provides exclusive insights about the latest category launch and the brand’s plans for the Nigerian market.

The name Yozakura sounds very different and exotic, tell us more about this new addition to the Grand Series.

The name Yozakura indeed embodies a sense of uniqueness and exoticism. Derived from the Japanese term “Sakura,” which symbolizes cherry blossom, Yozakura essentially represents the concept of cherry blossoms at night. It represents our new addition to the Grand Series, The Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura, a truly special expression. refers to the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms at night in Japan, a celebration known as the Hanami festival. This exceptional addition not only pays homage to the time-honoured tradition of cherishing cherry blossoms but also encapsulates the ethereal splendour of the Japanese cherry blossom flowers, as they radiate under the gentle glow of the moon.

Glenfiddich Yozakura has Japanese origins, what influenced this collaboration?

The inspiration behind Glenfiddich Yozakura stems from our unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing fresh perspectives. It’s a captivating collaboration that beautifully unites the Scottish and Japanese influences, resulting in a whisky that embodies the finest aspects of both cultures. Our vision was to create a harmonious blend that pays homage to the artistry of Scotland and Japan. To achieve this, we carefully aged our exceptional 29-year-old Glenfiddich in exclusive Japanese Awamori casks.

Could you describe the flavour profile of Glenfiddich Yozakura and how it showcases the fusion of Scottish and Japanese influences?

Glenfiddich Yozakura exhibits a remarkable flavour profile that showcases the fusion of Scottish and Japanese influences. As its flavour profile is being explored, you will find the enticing aromas of ripe fruits and caramelized almonds, teasing your anticipation. Once it touches your palate, prepare to be indulged by a symphony of flavours—notes of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee, and silky tannins that create a truly luxurious experience. The whisky delivers sporadic bursts of spice and sherbet lemons, alongside crunchy green apples, and warming earthy tones. As you savour each sip, the long-lasting finish lingers graciously reminding you of the presence of oak that adds a final touch of refinement to this extraordinary whisky.

Glenfiddich is known for innovation and experimentation. How would you say this new range reinforces the brand’s commitment to upholding these values?

Innovation and exploration have long been at the core of Glenfiddich’s identity, and our latest venture, the Yozakura range, exemplifies our unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and defying expectations. By venturing into the use of Japanese Awamori casks for finishing, we have embarked on a journey that goes beyond creating whisky; it is a homage to the deep-rooted traditions of Scotland and Japan. This bold step not only delivers a truly exceptional flavor experience but also showcases our unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and the pursuit of providing whisky aficionados with extraordinary and unparalleled expressions. The Yozakura range is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our unwavering commitment to crafting whiskies that captivate and inspire.

Tell us about the process behind the Glenfiddich Yozakura blend’s formation, including the cask’s selection and ageing process.

The formation of Glenfiddich Yozakura required a meticulous process of cask selection and ageing. After maturing for a minimum of 29 years in American and European Oak casks, our whisky was then finished for six months in rare Japanese Awamori casks. Only 25 of these exceptional casks were sourced from a private dealer. The decision to age it for six months in Awamori casks was based on extensive experimentation to ensure the perfect balance between the dominant Glenfiddich flavour profile and the unique influences brought by the casks.

What has been the initial impression from people that have experienced the Glenfiddich Yozakura flavour?

The initial impressions of those who have had the pleasure of experiencing Glenfiddich Yozakura have been resoundingly positive, leaving a lasting impression on the new range. The whisky has garnered acclaim for its opulent and robust flavours, accentuated by a remarkable interplay of herbal notes and zingy characteristics that elevates it to extraordinary heights. Through the harmonious fusion of Scottish and Japanese influences, Yozakura has achieved a flavour profile that stands apart from any other offering in the esteemed Grand Series.

How does this new range differ from its preceding ranges, which already have core loyalists among whisky lovers?

Glenfiddich Yozakura breaks new ground and distinguishes itself from its predecessors in multiple ways. First, it marks a significant milestone as the inaugural limited-edition release within the esteemed Grand Series. Secondly, it boldly embraces a novel approach by incorporating rare Japanese Awamori casks for finishing, introducing an entirely fresh dimension to our range of whiskies. While our preceding ranges have cultivated a devoted following among whisky enthusiasts, Glenfiddich Yozakura emerges as a remarkable offering, captivating those who crave an innovative and lavish whisky experience. Its distinctive flavour profile sets it apart, appealing to individuals in search of a truly unique and luxurious whisky experience.

Are we going to see other new, exciting ranges from Glenfiddich in the near future?

As a brand committed to innovation and continuous exploration, you can certainly expect to see more exciting ranges from Glenfiddich in the near future. While I cannot disclose specific details at this time, I assure you that our Malt Master is constantly pushing boundaries and working on new expressions that will captivate whisky collectors and enthusiasts.