Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whisky, continues to disrupt the status quo of the whisky world with The Orchard Experiment, a single malt finished in Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks – the brand’s fifth expression of The Experimental Series. 

The new variant sees Glenfiddich collaborate with the multi-talented maverick Temperley family, founders and owners of The Somerset Cider Brandy Company, to create a remarkable and genuine first: a single malt finished in Somerset Pomona spirit casks.

A celebration of unexpected pairings

A distillation of art, tradition, and philosophy, The Orchard Experiment is a celebration of unexpected pairings, combining the depth and intensity of Glenfiddich with the delicate sweetness of Somerset apples, where rolling hills and incredible coastline aid the production of a rich harvest of crisp orchard fruit. 

A truly pioneering single malt, this unique liquid was created using select Glenfiddich liquid that had matured in American Oak while held in Glenfiddich’s Experimental Warehouse. It was then finished for approximately four months in sweet Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks, an exquisite apple spirit which graces the tables of top-ranked restaurants throughout the world, to a distinctive and fruity effect.

Challenging conventions, pushing boundaries

Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series was designed to challenge conventions and push boundaries within the whisky category and beyond. It is this passion to do things differently that led to the partnership with like-minded visionaries, the Temperley family, who share the same entrepreneurial spirit. 

Temperley Farm in Somerset, UK, has been pressing cider for over 200 years and in 1989, inspired by its maverick spirit, the family’s pioneering approach led them to secure the UK’s first ever full cider-distilling licence and they have been producing award-winning Somerset Cider Brandy ever since.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, said of The Orchard Experiment: “Over the past few years we have had the opportunity to explore new sources for casks and I was intrigued by the possibility of using Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks to enhance and elevate the core Glenfiddich character of apples and pears. Working with the Temperleys has been great fun as they share the same core values so common in family business. I am delighted with the end result and I think we have created a beautiful expression of Glenfiddich that is true to our DNA with just a hint of autumnal Somerset sunsets – truly an Orchard Experiment!”

An “exciting marriage of Old English and Scottish craft distillates”

Matilda Temperley, MD of Somerset Cider Brandy Company, added: “It has been a wonderful experience working with Glenfiddich – another established, family-run distillery who share a similar long term vision. We first pioneered our product in the ‘80s and bought something unique to the UK markets. With this collaboration we’re back doing the same but challenging innovation even further. This is a really exciting marriage of Old English and Scottish craft distillates and we can’t wait for people to taste the incredible flavours of The Orchard Experiment.”

Mark Thompson, Glenfiddich Ambassador to Scotland, noted that the firm’s new experiment, the fifth in the series, is fresh and fruity, crisp and sweet. “Classic Glenfiddich notes are beautifully accentuated and elevated by the Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks to a sweet, rich effect. On first sip, fruit flavours transport you to an orchard on a warm summer’s day, then the liquid softens into sweet creamy toffee, caramelised apple and woody spice, leaving a sumptuous, decadent taste on the palate,” he described. 

“Glenfiddich wants to challenge your perceptions of what whisky should taste like with The Orchard Experiment, and the unexpected pairing of flavours are set to do just that!” 

Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment has a RRSP of £43 and is available to purchase now. 

For further information, visit: www.glenfiddich.com