Toast to the Scottish spirit

MATTHEW Fergusson-Stewart, Glenfiddich regional brand ambassador for Asia Pacific, was in Bangkok recently to treat whisky connoisseurs to an exclusive tasting session at the Shangri-La Bangkok’s Lobby Lounge of three of the brand’s iconic labels.
Fergusson-Stewart was recently named Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year 2017, an award bestowed by Icons of Whisky that recognises the most iconic figures and companies in the world of whisky every year. The awards highlight the growing popularity of this spirit by showcasing the vast array of producers and individuals offering innovative and exciting products on a global scale. The larger industry nominated their icons online and the Whisky Magazine editorial panel whittled each category down to a shortlist of five. The winners were chosen through a final panel review then a vote.
 “I am extremely humbled by this award and also very excited to share this with everyone. It came as a surprise to receive such a prestigious award when I know there are so many brilliant brand ambassadors out there doing incredible work. The industry has inspired me and I will continue to work harder and better every day,” Fergusson-Stewart told guests at the tasting.
“And I will continue to take the Glenfiddich brand to the next level and ensure it becomes a progressive spirit in challenging malt whisky conventions, while also staying true to its legacy.”

William Grant & Sons, founder and owner of Glenfiddich as well as several other spirits, is one of the very few family-owned distilleries where the sixth generation of the family has already started working in the distillery. Since its establishment in Dufftown, Scotland in 1887, Glenfiddich has survived several major crises, including World War I and II as well as the Prohibition Period is the US in 1920s. Today, Glenfiddich is the world’s most awarded and best-selling single malt in the world.
 “It’s amazing how barley, water, yeast and time can produce a fine spirit with so many expressions and characters.” Fergusson-Stewart said.
“Glenfiddich is revered for its unique Speyside character, but there are many other expressions of Glenfiddich to enjoy, thanks to masterly skills of the team at the distillery, who have made the whisky following time-honoured traditions.
The most iconic and the most recognisable as “Glenfiddich style” is the Glenfiddich Special Reserve 12 Years that won hearts of whisky lovers around the world, as well as gold medals from 2014’s International Spirits Challenge and International Wine and Spirit Competition. With a unique freshness from the same Highland spring water the distillery has used since 1887, its distinctive fruitiness comes from the high cut point William Grant always insisted upon.
Carefully matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks for at least 12 years, it is mellowed in oak marrying tuns to create its sweet and subtle oak flavours. Creamy with a long, smooth and mellow finish, the 12 Year Old is the perfect example of Glenfiddich’s unique Speyside style and is widely proclaimed “the best dram in the valley”.

If you like your dram a little richer and more complex, go for Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 Years, which boasts warm spice, deep honey and rich fruitiness. The 15 Year Old’s expression is created using a technique pioneered by the Malt Master and its warm, spicy flavours are transformed with the alchemy of the Solera Vat. Aged in European oak sherry casks and new oak casks, the whisky is mellowed in this unique var, a large oak tun inspired by the sherry bodegas of Spain and Portugal.
Never emptied, and kept half full of whiskies since 1998, the Solera Vat is the culmination of curious minds and the pioneering spirit of the family. It’s also the secret behind this whisky becoming the first 15-year-old expression to enter the top 10 best-selling single malts. In 2014, it won silver medal from International Wine and Spirit Competition and in 2015 went on to win gold medal from The Scotch Whisky Masters.
Last to be tasted at the session was Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve 18 Year Old with its remarkably rich aroma of ripe fruits, spiced apple and robust oakiness. Produced in small, individually numbered batches, the 18 Year Old combines the touch of fruity sweetness from the Spanish Oroloso wood and oakiness from American oak. After being married in wooden tuns for three months, its rich flavours come together to create an exceptionally smooth and deep single malt. The finish is long, smooth and very distinguished.
Glenfiddich 12, 15, 18, 21 and 30 Year Old are available in Thailand at prices ranging from Bt2,500 to Bt3,000.