Glenfiddich IPA Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in Indian Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer casks, a pioneering approach in the whisky industry.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the use of IPA casks suggests potential unique coloration.
Bottle Design: Features an "experimental series" label, indicating its place in a series of innovative releases by Glenfiddich. The label design includes a "weird print with sparks and marks," described as a recycling style, which may make it difficult to read but adds to its uniqueness.

Balance of Flavors: A vibrant mix of zesty citrus notes, soft sweet vanilla, and a subtle hint of fresh hops.
Unique Characteristics: The first single malt finished in IPA craft beer casks, offering a unique blend of whisky and beer flavors.
Comparison: Previous attempts at beer cask maturation by the brand's parent company were mentioned, but this is highlighted as the first single malt to undergo this process, setting it apart in flavor and concept.

Collaboration Story: The whisky was born from a meeting between Glenfiddich's malt master, Brian Kinsman, and an entrepreneurial Speyside craft brewer. Their collaboration led to the creation of both a new whisky and a craft beer.
Innovation Theme: Emphasized as an "intensive experiment" and a pioneering effort in the whisky industry, showcasing Glenfiddich's commitment to innovation.

Speyside Influence: The collaboration with a Speyside craft brewer underlines the whisky's roots in one of Scotland's most renowned whisky-producing regions.
Craft Beer Connection: Reflects the growing trend of cross-pollination between the craft beer and whisky industries, appealing to enthusiasts of both.

Personal Skepticism: Horst Luening, the reviewer, expresses personal skepticism due to his dislike of beer, particularly the bitterness of hops. This perspective might influence his tasting notes.
Recommendation: Suggests that fans of Indian Pale Ale might find this whisky particularly appealing, highlighting its niche appeal.

Glenfiddich IPA is an innovative single malt Scotch whisky finished in IPA craft beer casks.
It features a unique flavor profile combining zesty citrus, sweet vanilla, and fresh hops.
The whisky's creation was a result of a collaborative experiment between Glenfiddich's malt master and a Speyside craft brewer.
It holds cultural significance by bridging the gap between the craft beer and whisky industries.
The reviewer, not being a fan of beer, approaches the tasting with skepticism but acknowledges the whisky's appeal to IPA enthusiasts.

IPA Enthusiasts: Given its unique maturation process and flavor profile, this whisky is highly recommended for fans of Indian Pale Ale looking to explore similar notes in a whisky.
Whisky Experimenters: Individuals interested in unique, innovative whisky expressions will likely appreciate the experimental nature of Glenfiddich IPA.
Traditional Whisky Drinkers: Those with a preference for classic whisky profiles might find this expression challenging but could enjoy the exploration.
Craft Beer Fans: Beer enthusiasts curious about whisky might find Glenfiddich IPA an intriguing bridge between the two worlds.