The world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky has launched the fourth and newest concept in its Experimental Series with Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, a smoky whisky finished in sweet rum casks retailing for $49.99.
Fire & Cane is inspired by the early innovation of Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who ran peated spirit through the Glenfiddich stills for the first time in 2003, birthing the concept. Fire & Cane boldly marries smoky whisky with non-peated whisky that had been maturing side-by-side in bourbon casks, highlighting Glenfiddich’s sweet and fruity signature style. Taking it a step further, Kinsman finished the married whisky in Latin rum casks, sourced from various South American countries, for three months to produce a surprising and unexpected overlay of flavors with added caramel toffee sweetness.
“This new single malt truly encapsulates the spirit of experimentation. We started with a question – what would happen if we did something with peat that we had not done before? The answer is an unconventional and unexpected whisky, one that is truly surprising,” said Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman. “During the tastings, some experienced the unusual smoky notes, while others tasted toffee flavors – this phenomenon can be attributed to the Scotch spending three months in sweet rum casks. It’s a bold combination, which I’m sure will appeal and intrigue single malt enthusiasts as well as those looking to try something new and different.”
The fire aspect comes from the peat used in the malting process gathered in Speyside, which yields an explosion of campfire smokiness with oak and peaty notes, finished with lingering woodiness. The cane aspect provides long-lasting sweetness by merging rich, sweet toffee with green fruit character, baked apple, and toasted marshmallow with soft spice. Rum casks also help balance the dryness of the liquid and drive sweetness. Furthermore, by exclusively using naturally sweet American oak – sourced from the Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky – Fire & Cane is certified kosher.
Glenfiddich Experimental Series combines the brand’s passion for pushing Scotch whisky boundaries while unlocking new possibilities in the true spirit of experimentation. Other releases in the series include the Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish, Glenfiddich Project XX and Glenfiddich Winter Storm.
Buy it here.
TASTING NOTES:
FIRE:
- NOSE: Billowing soft peat notes, like distant smoke carried on the wind
- TASTE: An explosion of smoke, like a campfire built with Highland peat (but no medicinal Island notes). Overlaid with oak notes and deep toffee
- FINISH: Lingering smokiness
- KEY NOTES: Campfire smoke
CANE:
- NOSE: Lots of rich sweet toffee with some zesty fresh fruit notes and a lively spiciness
- TASTE: A core of classic green fruit character, with the deep sweetness of baked apple and toasted marshmallow. Overlaid with soft smoke and wood spice
- FINISH: Long-lasting sweetness
- KEY NOTES: Sweet toffee
