Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, has collaborated with French artist André Saraiva to launch Grand Château, its newest limited edition in the Grand Series of whiskies.
André, an internationally renowned artist who has previously collaborated with other global luxury brands, has worked with Glenfiddich to visualise the Grand Château world bringing to life the exquisite liquid and collision of French and Scottish cultures.
This incredible whisky is a single limited drop with six exclusive bottles of the Australian allocation available in the Glenfiddich Grand Chateau Artist Edition packs featuring Andrea’s signature Mr. A character sold exclusively through ballot.
Widely recognised as a genre-defining artist, André was responsible for a significant turning point in the history of street art, when he introduced his cheerful, top-hatted stick figure and now iconic, ‘Mr.A’ into his work.
As the first graffiti artist to paint a character in place of the traditional tag name, he quickly became known as Paris’ most active street artist. This collaboration further reinforces Glenfiddich’s long-standing history and commitment to pushing boundaries, be that through collaborations with established artists or by inviting up-and-coming artists to its distillery to create artworks inspired by the surroundings.
Glenfiddich Grand Château is a remarkable 31-year-old whisky, marking the distillery’s first venture into using Bordeaux red wine casks. The whisky is initially matured in American oak, followed by an extended nine-year finish in Bordeaux red wine casks from France's prestigious wine-growing region. This meticulous process adds layer upon layer of new and unexpected flavours, resulting in an indulgent and rich whisky where caramelised cherry and apple intertwined with warming spice and toasted oak.
What sets Glenfiddich apart is not only the rarity and complexity of this expression but also the pioneering spirit behind it. Few distilleries have the centuries of expertise in whisky making, combined with the creative freedom of Malt Master Brian Kinsman, to experiment with such high-aged malts. Glenfiddich's innovation in this realm, blending tradition with bold experimentation, creates a liquid that is both opulent and earthy, fruity and floral - a tale of two worlds united in one exceptional whisky.
It is this unexpected marriage of Speyside with Bordeaux that has provided the inspiration for André’s artwork for the packaging, he has juxtaposed a traditional Toile de Jouy print and used it as a canvas on which he has applied his signature motifs and style, disrupting the art form.
The Artist Edition outer casings feature André’s signature ‘Mr.A’ character - a figure that has travelled the world from the streets of Paris to New York, Shenzhen, London and Seoul and within this design can be seen playfully selecting the extended Bordeaux red wine cask finished whisky at Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland.
The artist’s six limited edition as well as the wider release will feature a bright and bold water colour print on the inside of the box.
"When Glenfiddich asked me (and Mr.A) to work with them it felt like a perfect match. I am a lover of whisky and the connection to France with this bespoke liquid allowed for a huge amount of creativity.?I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful land of Scotland where I was able to truly experience the history and heritage, the people, the inspiring surroundings and taste Glenfiddich. These unique adventures are reflected in my drawings and art for my collaboration with Glenfiddich” André says.
"With 136 years of heritage and tradition at Glenfiddich, we use our experience to innovate and excite with our whisky. This release is no exception; it is simply beautiful” says Glenfiddich's Creative Collaboration Lead & Ambassador, Ross Blainey.
"André and his iconic character Mr. A have redefined the world of street art, we share a passion for innovation and changing the world through art. To bring this single malt to life with them is an incredible experience.
Glenfiddich Grand Château is available from luxury whisky retailers for a RRP of $2930.
Grand Château is the latest addition to the Grand series, which includes Grand Yozakura, a limited edition 29-year-old whisky and the first single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks; Grande Couronne, a 26-year-old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks; Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; and Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean rum casks.
