Never one to rest on its laurels, Glenfiddich has once again disrupted the status quo of the whisky world with The Orchard Experiment. The fifth expression of the brand’s Experimental Series, the new variant sees the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch whisky step into new territory.

The new variant sees Glenfiddich collaborate with the multi-talented maverick Temperley family, founders and owners of The Somerset Cider Brandy Company. Together, they have created a remarkable and genuine first for the whisky world – a Single malt finished in Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks.

A Fusion Of Styles

A distillation of art, tradition, and philosophy, The Orchard Experiment is a celebration of unexpected pairings. It combines the depth and intensity of Glenfiddich with the delicate sweetness of Somerset apples. Undoubtedly a truly pioneering single malt, this unique liquid was created using select Glenfiddich liquid that had matured in American Oak while held in Glenfiddich’s Experimental Warehouse.

It was then finished for approximately four months in sweet Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks, an exquisite apple spirit which graces the tables of top-ranked restaurants throughout the world, to a distinctive and fruity effect.

Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series was designed to challenge conventions and push boundaries within the whisky category and beyond. In essence, it represents a passion to do things differently. And the Scotch whisky has certainly done that with its fifth expression, albeit with a little help from the Temperley family.

These like-minded visionaries have been pressing cider for over 200 years. In 1989, inspired by its maverick spirit, the family’s pioneering approach led them to secure the UK’s first ever full cider-distilling licence and they have been producing award-winning Somerset Cider Brandy ever since.

“Over the past few years we have had the opportunity to explore new sources for casks and I was intrigued by the possibility of using Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks to enhance and elevate the core Glenfiddich character of apples and pears,” explained Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich’s Malt Master.

According to Kinsman, The Orchard Experiment is a beautiful expression of Glenfiddich that is true to the DNA of the brand with just a hint of autumnal Somerset sunsets. In terms of tasting notes, The Orchard Experiment boasts classic Glenfiddich notes of fresh pear and ripe orchard fruits, which have been elevated and accentuated by a finishing period in Somerset Pomona Spirit casks. The end result – a rich harvest of crisp orchard fruit flavours.

On the nose, the new whisky offers wonderfully fresh pear fruitiness balanced with delicate oak notes. A sip reveals an initial burst of ripe orchard fruits on the palate. This eventually softens, developing into sweet creamy toffee, caramelised apple and woody spice for a truly luxurious finish.

(Images: Glenfiddich)