Celebrating its centenary this year, The Gleneagles Hotel has partnered with Glenfiddich to launch the limited edition Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve.
The anniversary release celebrates the intertwined legacies of both brands, tracing back to the golden era of rail travel.
The Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve is a single malt Scotch whisky which embodies Glenfiddich’s traditional smoothness, yet the complexity of its profile presents a diverse array of flavours, offering notes of vanilla fudge, creamy toffee and oak leading on to hints of beeswax and set honey.
Matured for 49-year in a single refill sherry butt, the spirit gives a rich note of creamy toffee and oak that is subtle but distinct, while the use of antique oak adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
The whisky is presented in hand-blown crystal decanters situated in a striking display cabinet, hand-crafted by the Glasgow-based artist John Galvin.
The case draws inspiration from the original art-deco interior style of Gleneagles and vintage train carriages, using polished burr walnut and bespoke stained glass encasing the bottle.
Daniel Baernreuther, general manager at The Gleneagles Hotel said of this limited edition release: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve been working behind the scenes with the Glenfiddich team, with the joint aim of crafting the ultimate anniversary single malt.
“I’m delighted that we can finally share the finished product with the world and I’m incredibly proud of both the delicious and unique liquid, as well as the beautifully intricate bottle and display case.
“This is a bottle of whisky unlike any other and I couldn’t think of a better dram to celebrate 100 years of Gleneagles.”
Brian Kinsman, master blender at Glenfiddich added: “For the special release, we wanted to select a whisky embodying the quintessential Glenfiddich character: traditionally smooth and rich in fruity and ester sweetness, drawn from the 49 years spent cocooned in the walls of a Refill Sherry Butt.
“Collaborating with the team at Gleneagles, we've crafted a truly exceptional whisky that not only commemorates their celebration but also encapsulates the timeless essence and railway heritage of Glenfiddich.”
The railway revolutionised travel to rural Scotland. It meant the once remote rolling hills and glens were now accessible to London’s society, who were keen to explore the excellent field sports on offer, as well as the renowned Scottish hospitality.
This was observed by Donald Matheson, GM of the Caledonian Railway Co. and informed the original vision for The Gleneagles Hotel.
The Perthshire train station, originally built in 1856, was officially named Gleneagles in 1912 and made the journey from London to the hotel a seamless and direct trip.
To this day, Gleneagles has its own fully operational train station situated less than 10 minutes from the hotel and is synonymous with glamour and good times, fantastic country pursuits and three of the best golf courses in the world.
The expansion of the railways into Speyside in the late 19th century also marked a pivotal moment for the Scotch whisky industry, enabling distilleries to take their amber liquid beyond the borders of Scotland.
Rail travel signifies the first steps Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky took to becoming the global brand they are today.
The Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve will be available to purchase on request from The Still Room at Gleneagles from the 4 October, limited to three bottles for sale per year. It’s priced at £35,000 per bottle.
