William Grant & Sons-owned Glenfiddich is to release a 1990 vintage global travel retail exclusive bottling as part of its Glenfiddich Archive Collection 2024.

The second annual release was revealed at the Speyside single malt distillery last week, with each single cask bottling highly limited. 

Featuring some of the scarcest whiskies laid down by the generations of the Grant family, each cask was selected to show the “craft and character” of the maker. 

Set to launch in April 2024, each of the 12 expressions is available in a selected market.

The second release marks the first time global travel retail has been included in the line-up. 

Dedicated to the channel is Glenfiddich Archive Collection American Oak Hogshead 1990, bottled at 49% ABV. 

Drawn from cask number 24050, just 276 bottles will ever be released.

TRBusiness tasted the expression on location at the distillery. The nose offers an array of orchard fruits, along with shortbread, toffee, gentle cinnamon, nutmeg, old leather and a gentle floral note.

The palate brings more florals, with rose and magnolia most prominent. Marmalade on toast, pear, Turkish Delight, cream soda, liquorice and a soft earthiness follow. The finish is medium length with drying sweet spices. 

Glenfiddich Archive Collection bottlings are also destined for the UAE, UK, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Nordics & Northern Europe.

A 1987 centenary cask release, hand-filled by William Grant’s descendants on Christmas Day, will be released as a distillery shop exclusive. 

“The Archive Collection seamlessly bridges the gap between Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and its rich history, bearing witness to the heritage and development of craftsmanship and the passing on of knowledge and experience,” said Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master.

“Each cask within 2024’s release presents itself as truly unique whilst retaining our classic fruity and oak balanced style at its very core.

“A window into the true heart and character of Glenfiddich, these fine and rare casks have been silent in their slumber for the past half century, allowing layers of flavour to build and nuances teased out as they are nurtured along their journey of maturation, and are now being awakened for the very first time to allow a taste of unrepeatable character.”

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director, added: “The Archive Collection is a true testament to Glenfiddich’s family values, direction and ownership – granting us the unique opportunity to release our rarest and finest casks, looking ahead at the decades to come and continuing to build and strengthen our legacy. 

“This special addition to our portfolio presents us with the opportunity to unlock the rich and storied history of Glenfiddich.” 

Earlier this year Glenfiddich released world-first single malt Grand Yozakura, a 29 year old expression finished in rare ex-Awamori casks.