Glenfiddich Gran Cortes 22 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains a family‑owned institution under William Grant & Sons. Known as one of the pioneers of the single malt category, the distillery maintains its own on‑site cooperage and coppersmithing workshops and uses Robbie Dhu Spring water throughout production. The Gran Cortes release is part of the ultra‑premium Grand Series reserved for select markets. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Under Malt Master Brian Kinsman, Gran Cortes showcases careful cask selection and finishing. Sixty- to eighty-year-old Glenfiddich stock is finished in rare Spanish Palo Cortado sherry casks—hand‑marked for their alchemical quality—to create a nuanced fusion of Speyside elegance and rich sherry depth. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made entirely from 100% malted barley—some grown near the distillery, others sourced regionally—with fermentation using traditional yeast strains and Robbie Dhu spring water to preserve a clean, fruity Speyside profile. 

Distillation Process

Produced in copper pot stills—43 in total—crafted and maintained by Glenfiddich’s in-house team. Distillation is small-batch and unpeated, emphasizing balanced esters and a smooth, medium-bodied finish. 

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for 22 years (initial maturation) in ex‑bourbon or traditional casks, then finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks sourced from Andalucía. These rare casks impart spiced fruit, vanilla, and oak richness—and produce a deep red hue in the liquid. 

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep mahogany‑red hue from sherry maturation. 

Nose: Rich and intense—notes of dark chocolate, raisins, dates, honey‑poached fig, dried fruit, and nutty oak spice. 

Palate: Layers of sticky date pudding, vanilla, marzipan, dried fruitcake, sweet oak, spices, and sticky fruits. Almond and citrus touches add refinement. 

Finish: Long and warming with fruitcake sweetness, creamy hazelnut or chocolate notes, and lingering spice and oak. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs exquisitely with rich desserts like fruitcake, sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate, dried fruits, aged pecorino or almond-encrusted cheeses, and nuts dressed with honey. Celebratory occasions serve it well.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of spring water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C. Gentle swirling enhances aromatic complexity. Avoid ice to preserve its depth.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a 22-year-old whiskey, it’s fully mature; further bottle aging yields minimal evolution beyond slow oxidation. Best consumed within a few years of opening for optimal flavor.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley, unpeated.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

44.3% ABV.