William Grant & Sons Distillers launches Glenfiddich 50 YO in India

Making a note worthy ceremonial entrance at The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon - Glenfiddich 50 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, one of the rarest and most precious expressions of malts ever released by Scotland's most awarded distillers - William Grant & Sons Distillers - was handed over to Mr. Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, The Leela Group, in a small yet elegant handover ceremony.

For over half a century, two casks of whisky were aged gently in the semi-darkness of Glenfiddich's Warehouse 8 in Dufftown, Scotland, under the watchful eyes of the industry's longest-serving and most experienced Malt Master, David Stewart. In 2009, The Glenfiddich 50 Year Old ' a limited edition, was released with only 500 highly coveted bottles for world wide release. Every year, for the next 10 years, 50 bottles will be released from this precious stock for sale.

Each bottle of the Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is decorated in Scottish silver, crafted by Thomas Fattorini, a sixth generation silversmith and is imprinted with William Grant & Sons' own hallmark.

Bagpipers dressed in ceremonial Scottish attire welcomed hand picked 50 malt enthusiasts who were invited to share this momentous occasion. Traditional Scottish music from the Glenfiddich distillery marked the ceremony open. The bottle was carefully carried to the venue and brought to the William Grant & Sons India representative Ms Aparna Batra - Marketing Director India Sub-continent, William Grant & Sons, where she ceremonially handed it over to Mr. Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, The Leela Group.

The distinguished venue was dressed up for this wonderful evening in delicate hues of white and silver, as an ode to the beautifully hand crafted bottle. Tall white lilies bathed in soft candle lighting added stunning effulgence to this elegant gathering. Guests enjoyed fabulous French cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef Thomas Figovc at The Leela. Conversation flowed easily over the silken smoothness of the Glenfiddich 18 YO and the most awarded and luxuriantly crafted GF 21 YO, which was served through the evening.

The evening brought together a group of likeminded social influencers including leading malt whisky enthusiasts from the business community to enjoy and engage with Glenfiddich Single Malt Whiskies at The Leela, which is the most preferred hotel destination in the NCR.

Speaking on the arrival of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old in India, Aparna Batra, Marketing Director India Sub-continent, William Grant & Sons said "The Glenfiddich 50 YO is the pinnacle of William Grant & Sons' whisky-making excellence and epitomises the Founder's vision of creating the very "best dram in the valley and we are very pleased to be sharing this momentous occasion with The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon. Such experiential platforms help us reach out and engage with the discerning malt community to better understand this fast evolving segment in India." With the support of partners like Mr. Sandeep Arora, one of the finest malt whisky enthusiast today and a recognized partner to the Rare and Vintage portfolio from William Grant & Sons, consumers in India today have the opportunity to taste some of the most precious drams of single malts including the GF 50 YO. Mr. Sandeep Arora has been a long standing partner to William Grant & Sons distillers UK by bringing to India some of the finest expressions of the rare and vintage malts from their portfolio" she concluded.

Mr. Vella Ramasawmy, General Manager, The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, commented "The rare Glenfiddich 50 Year Old will be housed at the Rubicon Bar which continues to be a favorite bar with its choice of fine wines and rare spirits including the Balvenie 30 YO, Lady Burn 1973, Girvan 1964, Glenfarclays 30 YO. We are very pleased to be the first hotel this year to purchase the only limited edition released for India in 2009."

Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is enriched with a unique preciousness that only time can bring, and remains remarkably light and elegant on the palate. The nose is beautifully harmonious with an uplifting, vibrant and complex aroma. The taste is initially sweet with a zesty orange marmalade and vanilla toffee, which then cascades through a wonderful series of layers: aromatic herbs, floral and soft fruits, silky oak tannin and hints of gentle smoke. The finish is exceptionally long with a touch of dry oak and the merest trace of peat.