To Pioneer a new malt
We created a craft beer
In our first groundbreaking experiment, Malt Master Brian Kinsman has proven that traditional whisky casks can still be seasoned in a pioneering way. Collaborating with a local Speyside craft brewer, Brian created a bold and zesty India Pale Ale beer to imbue our rich oak casks with extra hoppy notes. The experiment resulted in the first single malt Scotch whisky ever finished in craft India Pale Ale casks.
“The idea behind the Glenfiddich India Pale Ale experiment was quite unusual, but one we were passionate about – we wanted to really play with the flavours to see what we could create.” ‒ Malt Master Brian Kinsman
Discover the taste
Finished in bespoke craft India Pale Ale barrels, our pioneering new malt is imbued with unique zesty citrus notes and the subtle tang of fresh hops. The flavour comes with carefully hand selecting the right malt whiskies to complement the extra hoppy notes.
The Process
How we created a new malt
When Brian Kinsman and Seb Jones met, it wasn’t long before they concocted a bold plan. Audacious, experimental and unique, Brian suggested creating a new Glenfiddich malt finished in India Pale Ale craft beer casks.
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1. Brewing the perfect India Pale Ale
Our collaborators had a momentous task ahead. First, they had to design and create three separate brews of different strengths – freshly brewed India Pale Ale craft beer that could rest in whisky casks, later to be used to finish the Experimental Series variants.
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2. Seasoning the casks
Back at our Distillery, Brian secretly kept up to nine barrels seasoning at any one time, hidden from view in his warehouse. He varied the time the craft beer spent penetrating deep into the oak casks, before filling the casks back up with whisky to see what new flavours would be revealed.
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3. The final expression
It was a lengthy, experimental process but they finally decided on their favourite: Brew 2. The science of seasoning, beer strength and the time the whisky spent being finished all had a remarkable effect on the final, distinctive flavour.
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4. A Pioneering New Malt
What began as a quirky idea had quickly turned into an intensive experiment. Not only had Brian pioneered a new malt, but he had created a new craft beer in the process.
Success doesn't just happen
It was a long process, but the results speak for themselves.
The Serve
A small twist makes all the difference
Our best minds got together to discover the perfect complement to this already extraordinary expression. And this is what they discovered.
METHOD
Step 1 Use a clean Glenfiddich
India Pale Ale glass.
Step 2 Add a large ball of ice, measuring 55mm.
Step 3 Pour the preferred measure of Glenfiddich India Pale Ale.
Step 4 Peel a 2in slice of blood orange peel and run it around the rim of the glass.
Step 5 Give the peel a little twist and drop it into the glass.
Step 6 Serve on a Glenfiddich India Pale Ale beer mat.
Please Drink Responsibly
Experiment
Try running a twist of blood orange around the rim of your glass and drink. The orange will complement the zesty notes and showcase the sweetness of the whisky.
The Experiments Never Stop
Discover our next project
From one experiment to the next, we’ll always push the boundaries of the single malt.