Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix Single Speyside Malt Whisky 47.6%

In January 2010, the weight of the snow broke the roof of one of Glenfiddich's warehouses. What could have been a disaster instead became one of the distillery's most told stories.

Expert description

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix is a Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky matured in 1st fill bourbon casks and sherry casks and bottled at 47.6%. Snow Phoenix was assembled by whisky maker Brian Kinsman shortly after the event, as a tribute to the people who cleared the damage and saved the casks. It combines 1st fill bourbon and sherry casks, bottled at a higher strength than Glenfiddich's core range to give it extra power and depth.

Tasting notes

Nose

Toasted nuts, dark marmalade and a warm spiced cake aroma, carried by sherry sweetness.

Palate

Rich and spiced with raisin, dark chocolate and a touch of smoky oak.

Finish

Long, dry and warm, with a final hint of ginger and ripe apple.

Specifications

Name: Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Glenfiddich
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 47.6%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st fill bourbon casks and sherry casks
Number of bottles: Limited release
Edition: Snow Phoenix
EAN no.: 5010327335377

Flavour profile

Rich · Spiced · Sherry-matured · Robust

Investment potential

Medium. Snow Phoenix was created as a tribute to the distillery after a warehouse roof collapsed under heavy snow in 2010, and that limited backstory keeps it sought after among collectors.

Did you know?

The name Snow Phoenix is a direct nod to the mythical bird rising from the ashes — here, rising from the snow that nearly destroyed the warehouse.

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Frequently asked questions about Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky

Why is the whisky called Snow Phoenix?

The name refers to the heavy snowstorm in January 2010, when a warehouse roof collapsed under the weight of snow, and to the story of how the distillery recovered afterwards.

How strong is Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix?

It is bottled at 47.6%, noticeably higher than Glenfiddich's core range, giving the whisky extra weight and spice.

Is Snow Phoenix a good buy for a collector?

Yes. The story behind the bottle is unique and cannot be repeated, which makes it one of Glenfiddich's more story-driven releases to own.

Which casks were used for Snow Phoenix?

A combination of 1st fill bourbon and sherry casks, chosen to give the whisky both sweetness and spiced depth.

Is Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix smoky?

No, it is not peated. The character comes from the casks rather than smoked malt, and instead comes across as spiced and rich.

Can Snow Phoenix still be found?

It has been discontinued from Glenfiddich's core range, so the number of available bottles keeps shrinking over time.