Luxury Scottish hotel and estate Gleneagles celebrates its hundredth year in 2024. To celebrate, Gleneagles has partnered with Glenfiddich Distillery for a collector’s edition whisky inspired by the golden age of rail travel.
The arrival of the railways in Scotland in the 19th century was key to the history of the hotel, says Gleneagles — London’s society now could access Scottish sporting and hospitality. The Perthshire train station, renamed Gleneagles in 1912, was a direct link between London and the hotel, and to this day Gleneagles has its own train station. Railways also allowed distilleries to take their whiskies across Scotland’s borders.
The new collaborative whisky is Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve. The single malt Scotch spent its 49-year maturation in a single refill sherry butt, which the brands say produces notes of vanilla fudge, toffee, beeswax, and honey.
Brian Kinsman, master blender at Glenfiddich, said: “For the special release, we wanted to select a whisky embodying the quintessential Glenfiddich character: traditionally smooth and rich in fruity and ester sweetness, drawn from the 49 years spent cocooned in the walls of a refill sherry butt. Collaborating with the team at Gleneagles, we’ve crafted a truly exceptional whisky that not only commemorates their celebration but also encapsulates the timeless essence and railway heritage of Glenfiddich.”
Daniel Baernreuther, general manager at the Gleneagles Hotel, added: “I’m delighted that we can finally share the finished product with the world and I’m incredibly proud of both the delicious and unique liquid, as well as the beautifully intricate bottle and display case. This is a bottle of whisky unlike any other and I couldn’t think of a better dram to celebrate 100 years of Gleneagles.”
An extremely limited collector’s item, just 14 crystal decanters of the whisky will be made available for purchase. The Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve is released in a display cabinet by artist John Galvin, inspired by the art deco style of Gleneagles and vintage trains.
Gleneagles has previously collaborated with highland distillery the Glenturret for whisky releases.
The Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve (51.4% ABV) is available exclusively at the Still Room at the Gleneagles Hotel from 4 October 2024, priced at £35,000.
