In tribute to magical moments of celebration, Glenfiddich, from the award-winning luxury spirits company, William Grant & Sons Ltd, unveils Grand Yozakura, a rare fleeting beauty that joins as the newest edition to its renowned; the Glenfiddich Grand Series. The launch event was held at KINKI Progressive Dining & Bar, where guests were brought on a journey of extravagance,
In tribute to magical moments of celebration, Glenfiddich, from the award-winning luxury spirits company, William Grant & Sons Ltd, unveils Grand Yozakura, a rare fleeting beauty that joins as the newest edition to its renowned; the Glenfiddich Grand Series. The launch event was held at KINKI Progressive Dining & Bar, where guests were brought on a journey of extravagance, beauty, and fine dining, celebrating the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan that is Grand Yozakura.
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura celebrates Hanami – the “cherry blossom festival”, where Japan appreciates the temporal beauty of nature through the Sakura. A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘Night Sakura’. This fleeting moment captures a time where nature is honoured and this marriage of rare liquids, once gone, will never be replicated presenting a transient chance to experience a beautiful collision of cultures and flavours.
In its pursuit of excellence and distinct individuality, Glenfiddich has created Grand Yozakura, as the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks. This pays homage to the Grand Series, which is a collection of extraordinary single malts characterised by innovative and experimental cask finishing. Grand Yozakura is a 29-Year-Old Whisky matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown and finished in oak casks that previously matured the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori, producing a finish unlike any other. Awamori is made using long grain indica rice and traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks. It is said that the technique for making the spirit has not been altered in over 500 years and only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks making them exceptionally rare.
In celebration of the Glenfiddich Grand Series and the newly released Grand Yozakura, guests indulged in a 5-course dinner curated by chef Arthit Potichon. The gastronomic delight was carefully paired with the newly launched 29 YO limited edition single malt whisky, alongside drams of Gran Reserva (21 YO), Grand Cru (23 YO) and the Grande Couronne (26 YO). Awamori, an alcoholic beverage indigenous and unique to Okinawa, Japan was also served alongside the pairings, to showcase the long-standing tradition and craftsmanship of ex-Awamori casks, that is used in the making of Grand Yozakura.
Starting off the first course, to entice the palette is a Kaizen Yukke dish, that is paired exquisitely alongside the Gran Reserva (21 YO). The dish is a fine mixture of hamachi, bluefin tuna, salmon, uni, ikura and caviar, that is tied together with a special sauce and a touch of sesame oil for the perfect bite.
This is followed swiftly by the Grilled Ebi with Mentaiko Sauce in the second course, that makes an appearance together with the Grand Cru (23 YO).
The Grande Couronne (26 YO) makes a charming entrance in the third course, paired with a fresh Hamachi Carpaccio and special yuzu sauce, topped with ikura and jalapenos.
For the star of the night, Grand Yozakura (29 YO) makes its opulent debut in the main course. To entice the taste buds before Grand Yozakura, guests were asked to first sample Awamori, as a reminder of the special finishing technique, in rare ex-Awamori casks that is unique to Grand Yozakura. This is followed by the grand reveal of Grand Yozakura, that is paired seamlessly with the Wagyu Foie Gras Sando with Truffles, which represents the perfect marriage of two worlds.
Last but not least, the Trio Dango with trio filling is served in the last course as a palette cleanser, paired beautifully alongside Awamori, that can also be enjoyed with desserts.
Brett Bayly, Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich shared, “The Grand Series underpins Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and Grand Yozakura is no exception. It is perhaps the most ground-breaking expression to sit alongside the series so far, whilst also being the first limited edition release. We are excited to be unveiling Grand Yozakura to whisky enthusiasts and collectors in Thailand, as bringing together two scarce components accentuates the anticipation and sense of occasion, whilst paying homage to Glenfiddich’s innovative nature when it comes to creating dynamic whiskies of the highest quality.”
The packaging of Grand Yozakura brings this meeting of cultures to life with a signature illustration, created by Japanese artist June who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes. The packaging includes a bespoke topper and traditional poem printed onto each specially designed outer.
Grand Yozakura is the latest addition to the series, which includes Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks; Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; and Grande Couronne, a 26 year old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks.