Okinawa meets Scotland with The Glenfiddich releasing a limited edition single malt whisky finished in rare ex-Awamori casks.
Do you remember what you were doing ten years ago? It’s probably hard to recall. For The Glenfiddich, even a decade is not enough time to unveil its youngest expression — it patiently waits for at least 12 years to be savoured. In the world of The Glenfiddich, hundreds of experiments happen simultaneously, each aiming to unveil a unique flavour profile. In this case, it’s the extraordinary Grand Yozakura, a limited edition single malt whisky finished in rare ex-Awamori casks.
Awamori, an alcoholic beverage indigenous and unique to Okinawa made from long-grain indica rice, is traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks. It is said that the technique for making Awamori has remained unchanged for over five centuries. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, making them exceptionally rare.
The marriage of the quintessential Scottish drink with the traditional 500-year-old Japanese alcohol, Awamori, is a fusion that celebrates the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan. Whisky-making is a labour-intensive process, historically dominated by men and enjoyed by upper-class nobles and aristocrats. This concoction must clear a slew of rules and regulations before it can be called whisky (however, we will spare you the details). With the numerous constraints to carefully tread, the Grand Yozakura went through its meticulous procedure and made a feat eventually. Ex-Awamori casks lend a touch of novelty and excitement to this realm of tradition, as the Okinawan liquor is crafted similarly to whisky.
Set within the enchanting ambience of Pan Pacific’s Japanese restaurant, Keyaki, the venue was adorned with sakura blossoms and reflected the spirit of Yozakura. The Grand Yozakura expression pays homage to Hanami, the cherished “cherry blossom festival” in Japan, celebrating the transient beauty of nature through the blooming sakura. Stepping into the restaurant was like entering the heart of an intimate cherry blossom festival, just as it is in its name — the Yozakura, or “night sakura”, suggests. Under the ceiling of Japan’s national flowers, the atmosphere became more intimate as the appreciation for nature and the fusion of rare liquids united in perfect harmony. It was a moment to savour, knowing that this blend of cultures and flavours would never be replicated.
Innovation always leads to new discoveries, and taking risks becomes worthwhile. While whisky is commonly matured in ex-bourbon or sherry casks, The Glenfiddich confidently brought two scarce components together — the rare ex-Awamori casks and their Single Malt Scotch Whisky — in small quantities. The result is an elevated taste profile of indulgent layers of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee and silky tannin. With the homage to Japanese culture, the social lubricant connected people and cultures with shared enjoyment.
The beauty of this limited edition release lies not only in its exquisite flavours but also in the journey it takes us on — an exploration of traditions and celebration of innovation. The Glenfiddich’s daring spirit continues to push boundaries, offering whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to savour the exceptional.
Brian Kinsman, Malt Master of The Glenfiddich, attested to the latest edition of their Grand Series, “Awamori is much like whisky, with a diverse range of flavours. The extra finish in ex-Awamori casks compliments the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and lifting the flavours to a new level, accentuating the mouthfeel characters and zingy herbal. Notes unlike nay in the series, or anything I have tasted before.”
The Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura is available to purchase through since1887.sg and at selected retailers. Once you’re done with this story about Glenfiddich’s Grand Yozakura, catch up with the rest of our June/July 2023 issue here.
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