Glenfiddich has announced the launch of Snow Phoenix—a unique whisky born of chance and adversity, which commemorates a moment of drama in Glenfiddich’s long history.

In January 2010, after weeks of heavy snow and record low temperatures, four feet of densely compacted snow covered the Glenfiddich distillery roofs, which housed hundreds of casks of fine aged whisky. On the evening of January 7, in the most remote part of the distillery estate, a number of warehouse roofs dramatically collapsed under the weight. In wintery conditions and temperatures of 19°C, distillery staff swung into action to clear the snow.

Image Courtesy: www.moodiereport.com

“A photographer was shooting the scene and rather fittingly, when we looked at the pictures, the light shining through the warehouse roofs looked like a phoenix rising above us. I suppose this was the moment of conception of Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix,” commented Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman.

Snow Phoenix was created by marrying together natural strength and non-chill filtered casks of different ages and finishes, including American oak and Oloroso sherry. The result is a single malt, gold in colour with bright copper highlights. Its nose is creamy vanilla mingling with vibrant notes of apple and pear complemented by the scent of fresh blossom. The taste is reminiscent of roasted apples, sweetened with heather honey and accompanied by a piece of chocolate, rich and complex with a whiff of burned sugar, coffee and woodsmoke. The distinctive monochrome packaging and amazing photography pays dramatic homage to this exceptional whisky and details this exceptional story.

One thousand bottles of Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix will be made available exclusively to members of the online club, Glenfiddich Explorers, www.glenfiddich.co.uk/explorers, with the remainder available in selected markets from mid-November, ABV 47.6%, priced £49.99 RRP for a 70cl bottle.