Glenfiddich/Balvenie
The team from William Grant & Sons was kind enough to host us in their hotel suite at the Roosevelt Waldorf-Astoria New Orleans during Tales of the Cocktail 2026. Scotch Brand Ambassador Brett Bayly guided us through a tasting of several premier scotch whiskies.
The Glenfiddich x F1 Aston Martin 16 year Single Malt Scotch was a smooth and balanced representation of Lawrence Stroll's investment into that team and the quality that comes with it when paired with the expertise of Glenfiddich. Malt master Brian Kinsman blended three American oak cask styles to perfect it: the signature bourbon cask style, virgin oak, and wine cask. The collaboration is the first of a series of limited editions, with the next expected to debut in September from five different oak styles.
Up next was the Glenfiddich 14 year Bourbon Barrel Reserve. This scotch whisky has approachable vanilla notes and was built with the USA's palate and market in mind.
The Glenfiddich 15 year Solera Reserve is a highly acclaimed spirit that's been out since 1998. It's master blender David Stewart's innovation that, while not a full mimic of a Solera sherry system, heavily carries its influence. Flavored by ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and new oak casks, the scotch is finished in a continuous Solera vat that hasn't been emptied since its inception in 1998.
Finally, we tasted the Balvenie Portwood 21 year Single Malt Scotch. This edition of Balvenie is said to be David Stewart's personal favorite scotch. The portwood casks it is aged in have to have been in use for at least 30 years prior for port in order to be considered for use with whisky. While not heavily fruit or spice forward, this scotch is famous for both its rarity and its creamy, silky palate. It's the only Balvenie that comes in a distinctive, signature square box rather than a round one.
