When it comes to single malt Scotch whisky, few brands are as well-known and respected as Glenfiddich. This Speyside distillery has been producing whisky for over 130 years, and has become a popular choice for whisky lovers all over the world. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Glenfiddich, as well as take a look at the price range of its different expressions.
The History of Glenfiddich
The Glenfiddich distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant, who had worked in the whisky industry for over 20 years before striking out on his own. With the help of his seven sons and two daughters, Grant built the distillery by hand, using stone quarried from the nearby river and local craftsmen to construct the stills and other equipment.
It wasn’t until Christmas Day in 1887 that the first drop of Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky was produced. The whisky was stored in oak casks that had previously held sherry, and left to mature for at least 12 years before being bottled.
Over the years, Glenfiddich has remained a family-owned distillery, with subsequent generations of the Grant family taking over the business. Today, the fifth generation of the Grant family is still involved in the day-to-day operations of the distillery, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland.
The Different Expressions of Glenfiddich
Glenfiddich produces a range of different single malt expressions, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular expressions and their approximate prices as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2023, inflation may get updated but should be close:
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the flagship expression of the distillery, and is a classic example of Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. It is matured in a combination of American oak and European oak sherry casks, and has a fruity and floral flavor profile with notes of pear, vanilla, and honey.
In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Glenfiddich 12 Year Old can range from approximately $30 to $50 USD, while in Canada it can range from approximately $45 to $60 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it can range from £35 to £40 GBP, while in France it can range from €35 to €40 EUR. In Germany, it can range from €30 to €40 EUR.
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is matured in a combination of bourbon and European oak sherry casks, and has a richer and spicier flavor profile than the 12 Year Old. It has notes of cinnamon, ginger, and dried fruit, and is often considered one of the best value for money expressions in the Glenfiddich range.
In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Glenfiddich 15 Year Old can range from approximately $50 to $70 USD, while in Canada it can range from approximately $70 to $90 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it can range from £45 to £50 GBP, while in France it can range from €45 to €50 EUR. In Germany, it can range from €40 to €50 EUR.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is matured in a combination of bourbon and European oak sherry casks, and has a more complex flavor profile than the 12 and 15 Year Old expressions. It has notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak, and is considered a step up in quality from the other two expressions.
In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Glenfiddich 18 Year Old can range from approximately $100 to $120 USD, while in Canada it can range from approximately $120 to $140 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it can range from £85 to £95 GBP, while in France it can range from €80 to €90 EUR. In Germany, it can range from €80 to €90 EUR.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is matured in a combination of bourbon and European oak sherry casks, and has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of toffee, figs, and spice. It is considered one of the finest expressions in the Glenfiddich range, and has won numerous awards and accolades over the years.
In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Glenfiddich 21 Year Old can range from approximately $180 to $200 USD, while in Canada it can range from approximately $220 to $250 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it can range from £140 to £150 GBP, while in France it can range from €150 to €160 EUR. In Germany, it can range from €140 to €150 EUR.
FAQs
What factors can affect the price of Glenfiddich?
The price of Glenfiddich can be affected by a number of factors, including the country in which it is purchased, the size of the bottle, and the expression or age of the whisky. In addition, the availability of the expression can also impact the price, as rarer or limited edition expressions may be more expensive.
Are there any additional fees or taxes that I should be aware of when purchasing Glenfiddich?
Yes, depending on the country or state in which you purchase Glenfiddich, there may be additional fees or taxes that you need to pay. In the United States, for example, there may be state and local sales taxes that apply to the purchase of alcohol, which can vary from state to state.
Can I find discounts or sales on Glenfiddich?
Yes, it is possible to find discounts or sales on Glenfiddich at various times throughout the year. Some retailers may offer special promotions or discounts during holiday periods, while others may offer clearance sales on older or less popular expressions.
Is it worth paying a higher price for a more expensive expression of Glenfiddich?
The answer to this question depends on personal preference and budget. While some may argue that the more expensive expressions of Glenfiddich offer a higher quality and more complex flavor profile, others may find that the less expensive expressions are just as enjoyable. Ultimately, the best expression of Glenfiddich is the one that you enjoy the most.
Where can I find the best prices on Glenfiddich?
The best prices on Glenfiddich can vary depending on the country and retailer. In general, it is a good idea to compare prices from multiple retailers before making a purchase. Additionally, some retailers may offer loyalty programs or discounts for repeat customers, so it is worth exploring these options as well.
Conclusion
Glenfiddich is a brand of single malt Scotch whisky that has been around for over 130 years, and has built a reputation as one of the finest distilleries in Scotland. Its range of expressions offers something for everyone, from the fruity and floral notes of the 12 Year Old to the rich and complex flavors of the 21 Year Old.
As with any premium whisky, the price of Glenfiddich can vary depending on a number of factors, including the country in which it is purchased and the availability of the expression. However, despite the varying price points, Glenfiddich remains a popular choice for whisky lovers all over the world, thanks to its quality and consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting out, Glenfiddich is definitely a brand worth exploring.
| Bottle Size | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old | Glenfiddich 15 Year Old | Glenfiddich 18 Year Old | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 375ml | $22 – $25 USD | $35 – $40 USD | $60 – $70 USD | $100 – $110 USD |
| 750ml | $32 – $40 USD | $50 – $60 USD | $100 – $120 USD | $180 – $200 USD |
| 1L | $38 – $45 USD | $65 – $75 USD | $130 – $150 USD | $240 – $260 USD |
