Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Sherry

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains family-owned through William Grant & Sons and is the world’s best‑selling single malt. It pioneered the global single-malt revolution beginning in the 1960s. The distillery features its own cooperage and coppersmith workshops, and draws direct from Robbie Dhu Spring to barrel to bottle on site  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Current Malt Master Brian Kinsman champions refinement and innovation within Glenfiddich’s house style, maintaining light fruit character enhanced with new cask finishes. He oversaw the addition of this Amontillado sherry-finished 12‑year expression, blending tradition with elevated depth  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This whisky is produced from 100% malted barley, sourced partly from local Scottish farms and partly from Glenfiddich’s own estate. It is distilled using the Robbie Dhu spring water and traditional yeast strains to retain the distillery’s signature clean, orchard‑fruit character  .

Distillation Process

Distilled in handcrafted copper pot stills—16 wash stills and 27 spirit stills—Glenfiddich employs small-batch distillation and slow fermentation to develop delicate apple and pear esters, characteristic of Speyside single malt  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for 12 years initially in American and European ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks. It is then finished in rare Amontillado sherry casks from Jerez—representing less than 2% of Glenfiddich’s sherry supply—to impart richer dried fruit and spice complexity  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh pear, crisp apple, delicate dried fruits and subtle spice underpinned by sweet oak and orchard character  .

Palate: Sweet and fruity with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, baked apple, rich oak, and a hint of toasted almond or lemon curd—clean yet flavorful  .

Finish: Smooth and mellow, lingering spice, dry oak tannin, and gentle baking‑spice warmth; approachable and balanced  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with spiced fruit desserts (apple tart, pear galette), honey-drizzled nuts, almond biscotti, mild cheeses like Comté or Brie, or lightly smoked salmon with apple slices.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at around 15–18 °C to enhance aromatic clarity and mouthfeel. Avoid ice, which may mute the fruit and spice.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the whisky holds well but offers little further maturation in the bottle due to its extended cask aging; enjoy within a few years for optimal freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley, unpeated, with an Amontillado sherry finish.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43% ABV (86 US proof)  .