Last week I was invited to have dinner with Brian Kinsman, the Glenfiddich Malt Master from Scotland at Aria Restaurant. What a cool title…Malt Master. Not only does this important job require an excellent palette but incredible sense of smell. Brian is responsible for ensuring each single malt whisky that leaves William Grant & Sons is the same. No pressure.
The Glenfiddich Distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland. A relatively small town, almost everyone who lives in Dufftown nowadays is involved in the William Grant & Sons distillery.
On my way to dinner my taxi driver asked me what the occasion was for this evening.I told him I was having dinner with the Malt Master from Glenfiddich and a few other people from the company. His jaw dropped. I was in a car with one of the biggest single malt whisky fans who simple LOVES Glenfiddich. He proceeded to tell me in detail his favourite drop show me photos on his phone of his Glenfiddich collection. The smooth, smokey flavours and long finish were a few of the many reasons this man loved Glenfiddich. When we arrived at Aria I almost felt a little guilty, I wish I could have taken that guy with me
We started the evening with a tasting of six Glenfiddich whiskies starting with the 12 year old signature before jumping to the 18 year old small batch then the 14 year old, rich in oak. The 15 year old is one of my favourites, it’s silky smooth and sweet like honey. The 21 year old has a rum finish and finally we finished with the 30 year old…quite a treat. We had this with a small piece of dark chocolate, it was heaven.
Then it was time to order, here’s what I had:
Joining us for this special evening was a competition winner and his wife who are part of the Glenfiddich Collective. The Glenfiddich Collective was created for those (myself included) who have a passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for fine Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is an exclusive online community where whisky enthusiasts can learn more about Glenfiddich food pairing ideas, drink suggestions and hear about upcoming special events. Anyone with a passion for single malt whisky can join the collective for FREE. So if you’re out there Mr Taxi Driver and reading this, i’m sorry I couldn’t take you to dinner but join the collective and you might win a whisky tasting with Brian next time he’s in town! sign up here
The Glenfiddich Collective explores the Glenfiddich 12 Years Old, Rich Oak 14 Years Old and the pioneering Solera 15 Years Old. To discover more about Glenfiddichs other other award-winning whiskies including the 18, 21, 30, 40 and the limited 50 Years Old visit www.glenfiddich.com
