Glenfiddich Whisky Makes a Splash at Cape Town Fish Market

Glenfiddich Distillery, established in 1876, is still run by the descendants of the founder, William Grant, whose company became one of the pioneers of promoting the making of single malt whisky. Today Glenfiddich is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed single malt whisky distillers and account for about 30% of all single malt sales worldwide.

Mohans Oysterbay brought this iconic distillery a little closer to Dar’s whisky lovers with an exclusive Glenfiddich evening with the Southern and Eastern Africa Brand Ambassador Thami Banda visiting from South Africa.

Cape Town Fish Market’s terrace alongside the Indian Ocean provided the perfect venue to enjoy one of the world’s most loved single malt whiskies. Gavin and the team at Cape Town Fish Market were fabulous hosts, serving free flowing canapés including sushi, nigiri, spring rolls and chicken skewers throughout the night.

Thami led guests in a tasting of three of the Glenfiddich’s variants: 12 year old; 15 year old; 18 year old single malts. He shared tasting notes for each and also insights into how the distillery use of various types of wooden casks influence the colour, flavours and ‘finish’ of the whisky. Thami possesses the perfect blend of expert knowledge (derived from regular visits to the distillery) coupled with a genuine passion for helping drinkers appreciate the heritage of the brand and explore the diversity of its range. Guests therefore had the opportunity to discuss the world of whisky with the brand ambassador who helped many of us to discover their favourite from the three Glenfiddich offerings.

Our group was lucky enough to sit down with Thami who shared some expert insights into the three variants served to us:

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the family’s signature expression. The company believes it is enjoyed by more people around the world than any other single malt Scotch whisky. Aged in American bourbon and Spanish sherry oak casks for at least 12 years it has distinctive fruity flavour which then develops into creamy, subtle oak flavours. The finish is long, smooth and mellow.

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is made using a pioneering distillation process unique to Glenfiddich. It is matured in three types of oak casks: sherry, bourbon and new oak for 15 years before being ‘married’ in an Oregon pine Solera vat. Year on year, this vat is never emptied but is always kept at least half full which gives the whisky a full bodied flavour. It has complex notes of spices, honey with a lingering, sweet finish.

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is matured in Spanish sherry oak and American oak casks for 18 years then married in wooden tuns for at least three months. It has rich flavours of dried fruit and oak that come together to create a silky finish with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

The rest of the night was spent enjoying our favourites from these Glenfiddich offerings. In my case it was 18 year old. Glenfiddich hosted a really fabulous evening that certainly increased my understanding and appreciation of whisky. In Tanzania, Glenfiddich is imported and distributed by Mohans Oysterbay Drinks Limited. The brand is available at many spirit retailers.

Approximate RRP: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old 700ml Tshs 64,000; Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 700ml Tshs 86,000; Glenfiddich 18 Year Old 700ml Tshs 115,000.