Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Any eagle-eyed whisky enthusiasts watching last weekend’s Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix will have noticed a new logo on Aston Martin’s front wings: the Glenfiddich stag. The race marked the beginning of a multi-year partnership between the iconic U.K. brands, but Glenfiddich delivered more than a new logo on the Aston racecars. The single malt label is also releasing an ultra-rare 1959 single malt Scotch whisky in celebration of the partnership.
A staggering 65 years ago, the liquid was put in casks the same year that Aston Martin made its F1 debut and won 24 Hours of Le Mans. “It is a rare whisky that embodies the essence of this partnership, capturing the spirit of innovation and excellence that both Glenfiddich and Aston Martin have upheld for decades,” says Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master. “The bottle is a tribute to our shared legacy, connecting the past with the future in a truly remarkable way.”
“This whisky was drawn from a very rare, old sherry butt. For any cask to reach such a magnificent age is highly unusual, but for the whisky to retain such vibrancy and liveliness is quite exceptional,” Kinsman tells Rolling Stone. “The complexity of the whisky is incredible and when I was tasting it to write tasting notes, I found the flavor continually evolved for over an hour in the glass. Throughout the nosing and tasting there are brief moments when an aroma or flavor can suddenly appear and then disappear again.”
As one would expect from a 65-year-old spirit, the whisky is intense, complex, and undeniably unique. The dark mahogany-colored liquid boasts a nose of leather, tannin, oak, and, as the brand aptly puts it, “the earthy essence of a dunnage warehouse floor.” Oak and spice lead the palate and find support from dates, nuts, dark chocolate, and other vaguely Christmas-y flavors.
The Aston Martin F1 Team x Glenfiddich partnership and its celebratory bottle were unveiled during an exclusive dinner at Cascata Resort, just outside Las Vegas, before the Grand Prix. “At Aston Martin Formula One Team, we continuously push boundaries to set new standards, and Glenfiddich embodies that same spirit of perfection and innovation,” said Lawrence Stroll, Owner and Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Formula One Team.“The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the perfect stage to debut our partnership, and we’re excited to offer fans an unforgettable experience that transcends the racetrack and whisky world alike.”
Glenfiddich hasn’t announced when the 1959 will become available. They also haven’t announced a price tag, although we have an educated guess: very, very expensive. In the meantime, enjoy some of our other favorites from Glenfiddich like the 18 Year Old or — for something fancier — the insanely good 30 Year Old.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
$117
Buy Now on reservebar
