William Grant & Sons, the family-owned distiller behind Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, has unveiled a brand-new range of high-aged, rare-blended Scotch whiskies. Inspired by Scotland’s ruggedly beautiful landscapes, the Wildmoor Collection comprises seven unique expressions crafted from elusive malt and grain whiskies drawn from the family’s private reserve.
In February, we were invited to an exclusive tasting of the new Wildmoor Collection at 1 Hotel Mayfair’s penthouse suite with William Grant & Sons’ master blender, Brian Kinsman. His goal was simple: to create a flavor map of Scotland in a glass that went far beyond a singular distillery style.
“With access to the family’s private vaults of prized liquids, I was able to explore intense flavors,” he explains. “I delved deeper into my personal memories of these wild places, and what was initially a single whisky has become a series of extremely old and prestigious blended malts and blended whiskies, each one a multi-sensory tribute to Scotland’s vast terrain.”
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What can you expect from the collection? Each expression pays tribute to Scotland’s wild elements, from the country’s ancient moorlands and rugged coastlands to its dense forests and dramatic lochs. The whiskies are presented in beautiful bottles with textured glass that encapsulates the Scottish landscape.
The oldest whisky in the collection is the Wildmoor Black Mountain 40 Year Old. Inspired by the imposing mountains of northern Scotland, the liquid is an intense blend of rare grain and Highland malts with precious stocks from ghost distilleries, finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask. Expect delicate notes of vanilla, caramel and orange peel with a hint of tobacco and spice. For the perfect serve, Kinsman advises serving the 40 Year Old with a hunk of sugared orange rind.
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Other standout bottles from the collection include the Wildmoor Rugged Coast 30 Year Old – a bold, punchy liquid that nods to the crashing waves and salty sea air of Scotland’s western coastline. Here, Kinsman expertly balances notes of peat and rich stone fruit with a touch of smoke. The heady liquid is finished in an Oloroso sherry cask to further enhance the flavor.
[See also: Take in the Beauty of Scotland on a Whisky-filled Road Trip]
According to Wildmoor’s adventurer ambassador and renowned Scottish explorer, Aldo Kane, the best way to enjoy these whiskies is in the wild. “I have traveled the world for over 30 years, and I can honestly say that time spent in nature with friends and the taste of whisky next to a fire is unbeatable,” he says.
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His favorite whisky from the new collection? “I love the Wildmoor Rugged Coast 30 Year Old because it reminds me of home,” he reveals. “Home to me over the years has meant many things, and when I am away on an expedition, I call the place I pitch my tent or sling my hammock ‘home’. But when I am away, the taste of salty air and peat smoke reminds me of the country I was born in and the place where I grew up. A full-bodied taste that says ‘West is Best’.”
Those hoping to embark on an adventure of their own are in luck. Wildmoor has teamed up with bespoke travel company Black Tomato to craft a series of ‘wild escapes’ across Scotland. During these unforgettable trips, guests will be given a unique chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes that inspired the new collection. The brand has also joined forces with wild chef and open flame expert William Hamer to create a series of wild dining occasions.
“My cooking delves into a profound connection with the Scottish landscape, driven by a firm belief in the significance of sourcing local produce,” notes Hamer. “By sourcing ingredients from the surrounding area, I aim to showcase the richness and diversity of Scottish ingredients. Cooking with fire imparts a unique flavor to the dishes and creates an immersive experience, directly connecting my guests to the land. Through fire, guests taste the essence of the Scottish landscape, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local environment and all it has to offer.”
Wildmoor Black Mountain 40 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is available for £960 (approx. $1,214) at Selfridges.
[See also: The Most Exclusive Scotch Whisky Experiences]
