Famed Scotch whisky producer Glenfiddich has brought Fire & Cane to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It’s the fourth and newest concept in Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series.
A smoky whisky finished in sweet rum casks, Fire & Cane is inspired by the early innovation of Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who ran peated spirit through the Glenfiddich stills for the first time in 2003, birthing the concept. Fire & Cane boldly marries smoky whisky with non-peated whisky that had been maturing side-by-side in bourbon casks, highlighting Glenfiddich’s sweet and fruity signature style. Taking it a step further, Kinsman finished the married whisky in Latin rum casks, sourced from various South American countries, for three months to produce a surprising and unexpected overlay of flavors with added caramel toffee sweetness.
“This new single malt truly encapsulates the spirit of experimentation. We started with a question – what would happen if we did something with peat that we had not done before? The answer is an unconventional and unexpected whisky, one that is truly surprising,” said Kinsman. “During the tastings, some experienced the unusual smoky notes, while others tasted toffee flavors – this phenomenon can be attributed to the Scotch spending three months in sweet rum casks. It’s a bold combination, which I’m sure will appeal and intrigue single malt enthusiasts as well as those looking to try something new and different.”
The fire aspect comes from the peat used in the malting process gathered in Speyside, which yields an explosion of campfire smokiness with oak and peaty notes, finished with lingering woodiness. The cane aspect provides long-lasting sweetness by merging rich, sweet toffee with green fruit character, baked apple, and toasted marshmallow with soft spice. Rum casks also help balance the dryness of the liquid and drive sweetness. Furthermore, by exclusively using naturally sweet American oak – sourced from the Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky – Fire & Cane is certified kosher.
Fire & Cane comes in a colored glass that seamlessly transitions from a black/brown base to clear glass, displaying the world’s best-selling single malt Scotch whisky. The bottle was designed to showcase the juxtaposing flavors physically with the shift in color.
Officially unveiled in July, Fire & Cane is only now being distributed widely in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
“”I’m a big fan of the forth experimental expression of Glenfiddich. Fire and Cane brings something unusual and unique to the table. It combines sweet and fruity with something that Speyside is not known for – peat.” said Dominik Lenikowski, bar director at Karma Modern Indian. ” In the past, only Vintage Collection showcased a fine play of Glenfiddich and smoke, but that item was rather hard to find. Maturation in bourbon barrels, finishing in rum casks and beautiful peat from the hills of Speyside blend perfectly.”
Lenikowski has carried each of Glenfiddich previous releases from its Experimental Series and is now adding Fire & Cane to Karma Modern Indian exception drink program, which released earned a rare Bottled in Bond (BIB) certification for its whisky collection and inclusion in the 2019 Washington, DC Michelin Guide for its “notable cocktails.”
Glenfiddich Experimental Series combines the brand’s passion for pushing Scotch whisky boundaries while unlocking new possibilities in the true spirit of experimentation. Other releases in the series include the Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish, Glenfiddich Project XX, and Glenfiddich Winter Storm.
Bottled at 43% ABV, Glenfiddich Fire & Cane is now available with a suggested retail price of $49.99/750 ml at premium bars and liquor stores.
