As Chinese New Year approaches on January 29th, 2025, Glenfiddich is proud to announce a collaboration with renowned contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu. Together, they present an exclusive collection of limited-edition gift packs featuring the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva, alongside the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, and 18 Year Old. This special collection celebrates the convergence of two great cultures, inviting you to toast to a festive season filled with memorable encounters.
Every distinguished meeting is a product of time, much like Glenfiddich’s strategic entry into the Chinese market 17 years ago. This move was designed to introduce one of the world’s leading Scotch whiskies to a discerning Chinese audience, blending Occidental distilling tradition with Oriental sophistication. The creative concept, A Gift for Great Encounters “福鹿双至,” draws inspiration from the imagined meeting of the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the legendary Nine-Coloured Deer, a mythical figure known for wisdom, compassion, and a desire for harmony.
This concept was brought to life by Zhang Yu, whose work is deeply connected to ancient Chinese tales. Recognized as a master of ink wash, Yu specializes in blending Eastern and Western cultural elements through various creative forms, including painting, drawing, design, and film. Her collaboration with Glenfiddich brings A Gift for Great Encounters to life.
By merging traditional Chinese ink wash painting with vibrant colors and contemporary techniques, Yu created a unique artistic narrative. This narrative harmoniously combines the iconic Glenfiddich Stag with the legendary Dunhuang-inspired nine-colored deer. Her work showcases the irreplaceable beauty of Chinese watercolor, creating a captivating cosmos of paint where the two journeys of greatness cross paths for the first time.
“Working with Glenfiddich has felt natural from the start. As a long-time appreciator of their whisky, I’ve always found its rich flavors deeply inspiring. The complexity of the taste mirrors the textures of ink, water, and paper—elements that spark creativity and enrich my artistic mindset. Their commitment to the art of distilling motivates me to advance my own craft,” Zhang Yu stated.
The limited-edition series is led by the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva Gift Pack and includes the core range available in the market and Travel Retail outlets. To offer the best gifts for the New Year celebration, additional versions were created, including Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, and 18 Year Old. These gift packs, complete with Glenfiddich and whisky-nosing glasses, enhance the gifting experience and the sharing of moments during the Chinese New Year.
“The Chinese New Year embodies togetherness and harmony. For the 2025 festive season, we aim to celebrate the exquisite convergence of diverse traditions. A Gift for Great Encounters is a universal offering that delights in the beauty of this remarkable fusion,” said Claudia Falcone, Global Brand Managing Director, Glenfiddich.
As the creator of the malt category and the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich continues to challenge conventions to craft authentic, superior-quality whiskies. The multiple “Double Gold” award-winning Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva, featured in A Gift for Great Encounters, is an aged whisky finished in Caribbean rum-soaked casks, infusing it with notes of sharp ginger, sultry fig, and uplifting lime, culminating in a crescendo of sweet toffee and spicy exotic warmth.
