First Drinks launches rum-matured scotch
First Drinks Brands is looking to broaden the scotch whisky market with the introduction of a new rum-matured varietal under its Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand.
With the launch of Glenfiddich Havana Reserve 21 Year Old, the company has resurrected an age-old tradition of maturing scotch whisky in rum casks and combined the distilling expertise of the Cubans and the Scots.
The Glenfiddich malt master has finished a Glenfiddich 21 Year Old in casks that previously held four-year-old Cuban rum.
James Doherty, rare whisky manager at First Drinks Brands, said: "We were looking for a new adventure, to add an element of intrigue to Glenfiddich and Havana Reserve certainly does that.
"Our Cuban rum-finished casks bring a vibrant taste profile to this Glenfiddich and the richness of the Cuban culture fits really well with Glenfiddich, the independent spirit."
There are striking similarities in the production of scotch whisky and Cuban rum. Both use similar distilling processes and both are matured in oak barrels to develop character and flavour. However, two key differences, the raw ingredients - barley versus sugar cane - and the vastly differing country climates differentiate the two products.
Last year, Grant's - a First Drinks stablemate - borrowed an idea from the single malt sector and introduced two cask-finished whiskies - sherry and ale - in an attempt to kick-start the sluggish blended whisky market.
The decision to expand the Glenfiddich brand coincides with the news that scotch whisky exports have soared to a record level of one billion bottles, an increase of 2.4 per cent.
Volume of sales in Asia rose by 17 per cent to 181 million bottles while the value of exports to Europe were up four per cent to £896m. The previous record year was 1997, when exports were 11 million bottles shy of the billion mark.
Ian Good, chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "One billion bottles to over 200 markets worldwide is a feat that both the industry and the country can be proud of.
"Scotland is a tiny nation, yet we produce a spirit of such prestige that it is enjoyed in even the most far-flung corners of the globe. 2001 was a record-breaking year that showed the world's love affair with scotch is stronger than ever."
