Glenfiddich Releases Rare 44-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Exclusively in U.S.

Only 100 bottles of the ultra-premium scotch will be produced.

Scotch stalwart Glenfiddich is rolling out just 100 bottles of a 1975 Vintage expression exclusively in the United States.  

The third select whisky in the Dufftown, Scotland-based distillery’s Rare Collection, which first debuted in the 1990s, were aged in one of two casks: No. 4706, made from European Oak Sherry Butt, and No. 5114, made from European Oak Hogshead. The resulting liquids are said to feature signature Glenfiddich characters of poached pear and vanilla that are bolstered with darker, more complex flavors.

Here are the 44-year-old scotch’s official tasting notes: 

• Cask 4706: This distinctive and rare rich gold whisky has a lively and vibrant bouquet imparting notes of oak, antique leather, tannin and crisp parchment, while maintaining its intriguing zestiness with hints of green apple and citrus. At first sip, a silky-smooth mouthfeel is welcoming with a creamy vanilla sweetness followed by a long-lasting finish of mellow oak, toasted almonds, banana and spring blossom.
• Cask 5114: A beautifully rich and complex dark amber whisky envelops the nose with an intense spicy oak character and layers of dried fruits. An initial burst of sundried raisins and vanilla gives way to more subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and caramelized apple. Once tasted, the first wave of flavor is a powerful expression of the Glenfiddich distillery character taken to new levels with essence of spicy oak and fruit, followed by unfolding notes of apricots, prunes and dates, concluding with woody spice, toasted macadamia and rich fruit cake.

“Selecting the casks to be a part of the exclusive Glenfiddich Rare Collection is a meticulous but extremely rewarding process,” said malt master Brian Kinsman. “They must reflect the timelessness of the Glenfiddich character, and the mastery of craftsmanship that has gone into creating the outstanding liquid within, resulting in a selection of whisky that is truly beyond compare.”

Cask 5114 is bottled at barrel strength 54.7 percent ABV and Cask 4706 clocks in at 48 percent ABV. Both are non-chill filtered and presented in a handcrafted brown Italian leather box with a copper foiled leaflet containing detailed information. 

Available at select fine spirits retailers, the Rare Collection: Glenfiddich 1975 Vintage Cask 4706 and Cask 5114 are each priced at an eye-watering $9,000 per bottle.