When passions converge, it is a beautiful thing. It’s almost like cutting down the time of enjoyment for double the reward.

I am self-proclaimed racing enthusiast. Like many years ago and for many years in succession, racing has always been exciting for me, sitting back and enjoying a drama-filled and rewarding moments of precision.

I didn’t realize the lines drawn between racing and whisky, even though they feel like opposite sides, they are strangely connected through experiences and craft.

Their experiences have a lot of parallels. Having a proper dram of scotch whisky brings the excitement of a first sip, the relaxation of sitting back into a chair, experiencing the drama of flavours and structures as it takes you through its progressions and finishing off with a rewarding moment.

Enter Glenfiddich x Aston Martin Formula One™ Team

I was invited for an exclusive event at one of the city’s swankiest spots at Harbour 60 Toronto in the Vintage Room downstairs, effectively known tonight as Club 1959. A cocktail hour followed by a private dining experience. A wonderful treat to warm up the winter blues.

I was greeted with a welcome drink, a cocktail of choice. I was already brought out of my comfort level because I have never enjoyed Glenfiddich in a cocktail before. Here is a hint on how it went, it went well.

A Brief History of Glenfiddich

Founded in 1887 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, Glenfiddich remains one of the few distilleries still family-owned and operated, now in its impressive fifth generation. Pioneering the global rise of single malt Scotch, Glenfiddich has built its reputation on tradition, continuous innovation, and an uncompromising respect for time, water and continued processes.

As one of the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whiskies, Glenfiddich continues to prove that progress and tradition are not opposing forces. They are collaborators.

Club 1959: Where Time, Torque, and Taste Converged

Tucked beneath the marble and muscle of Harbour 60 Toronto and under the sports talks from the local patrons, were were experiencing a refined night from Executive Chef Solomon Mason and Glenfiddich.

With amazing memorabilia around, like Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team‘s drivers’ Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll’s iconic and signature dark green helmet over your shoulder, setting the tone for the partnership.

We took our seats and started conversing. Everything from travel, racing, international films, spirits, compliments of fashion and rays from tennis bracelet diamonds gleaming off the ceiling as if they were just on the red carpet a few hours ago. Our host for the night was gracious and took us through every step of the night which included good wit, shared experiences and the rich history of Glenfiddich.

We were privileged to a night of indulgence and indulge we did.

First Course: Paired with Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Plate: Crudo of Dry-aged Japanese Madai with Smoked Buttermilk, Lovage, Carolinian Valley Farm Radish

Second Course: Paired with Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Plate: Fire-roasted Late Harvest Parsnips, Smoked Ricotta, Puffed Grains, Black Kale

Third Course: Paired with Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Plate: Koshihikari Rice Risotto, White Truffle, Taleggio, Snow Crab

Fourth Course: Paired with Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Plate: Glenfiddich Soaked 60-day Dry-aged Creekstone Beef, La Ratte Potato, Braised Shallots, Black Garlic

Fin: Paired with Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Aston Martin Formula 1 Team Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Plate: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Whisky Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Tasting Notes: Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Aston Martin Formula 1 Team Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Just like a Formula One car, for whisky the sum of all parts and timing need to be perfect. You have to continuously try new things, build on greatness and keep everything precise down to the millimetres, or in this case, millilitres.

The flavour from the Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Aston Martin Formula 1 Team Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky is one that even if it wasn’t branded with a racing team, it would still be a wonderful whisky. Just adding the Aston Martin flare just makes it that much better.

On The Nose: Beautifully-sweet. Toasted oak notes fill the landscape with hints of maple syrup and caramelized ginger
Taste: Indulgent, confectionary sweet with a nice balance of warmth and a nice stride back as you finish your sip
Finish: Smooth with a nice sustained finish.

Precision In Motion

This was the Canadian unveiling of the Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Aston Martin Formula One™ Team Limited Edition, a whisky created not to chase trends, but to honour partnership and an appreciation for precision. A celebration of two institutions obsessed with marginal gains, one measured in seconds and the other in decades.

The partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team is more than branding, it is a strong joint philosophy. Formula One is a sport where perfection is never achieved, only chased. Glenfiddich understands this intimately. You don’t rush a 18-year-old single malt scotch whisky. You refine it. You respect time and it rewards you.

I would like to thank Glenfiddich and Aston Martin for having me on this very special evening.

Discover the Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Aston Martin Formula One™ Team Limited Edition and purchase it for yourself before this limited edition bottle is gone. Visit their website or purchase from the LCBO.

Enjoy Responsibly. Never Drink and Drive.