In a bold celebration of heritage and innovative luxury, Glenfiddich showcased a unique fine-dining experience, honoring the release of its exquisite, limited 31-Year-Old Grand Château whisky.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Johannesburg at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, the three-day affair transformed the venue into an unforgettable immersion into artistry, flavour and unmatched elegance.
Glenfiddich’s partnership with Chef Katlego Mlambo, who invoked his maverick spirit to create masterful French fusion cuisine, set the stage for a culinary journey that redefined fine dining.
“Creating a menu for the Grand Château experience involved infusing the essence of French finesse with the Scottish roots of Glenfiddich,” said Chef Mlambo, who captured the allure of a menu that perfectly blended sophistication with playful twists. Each dish was meticulously crafted to enhance the intricate notes of Glenfiddich’s spirit, embodying the richness and legacy of the whisky.
The immersive journey began as guests passed through archways modeled after Glenfiddich’s signature “paper play” animations, which echoed the whimsical elegance of the Grand Château. Inside, the design, led by artistic genius André Saraiva, was a tasteful reflection of a collaboration of cultures: richly draped walls, delicate French details, and subtle nods to Glenfiddich’s heritage created an ambiance of refined opulence. Staff uniforms, inspired by the late Vivienne Westwood, brought an edgy sophistication, nodding to her fashion’s daring elegance, while perfectly complementing the evening’s luxurious tone.
Lifa Bakana, Brand Manager at Edward Snell & Co., spoke passionately about the vision behind the Grand Château experience and said that the idea was to create a world that captured the spirit of Glenfiddich’s Grand Château – a place where culture, history, and modern luxury merge seamlessly.
“We wanted guests to feel the legacy, to taste it, and to lose themselves in an experience as rare as the whisky itself,” he added. Bakana’s words resonated throughout the evening, as the intricate design, food, and curated cocktails brought Glenfiddich’s ethos to life.
Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a selection of signature cocktails, each crafted to complement the whiskies’ complex flavour profile. The journey continued with an indulgent five-course meal, each course thoughtfully paired with a Glenfiddich pour and cocktail to accentuate each whisky’s character and the depth of Chef Mlambo’s dishes.
From delicately prepared Duck a L’Orange tartlets to the quirky ‘ode to the humble carrot,’ and the two succulent main courses featuring a citrus-cured Scottish salmon with a passion fruit beurre Blanc and tarragon-pickled cucumber served with compressed papaya. Followed by a 21-hour confit lamb shoulder served with boulangère potatoes and a sauce verte, whisky soubise and truffle bordelaise. The grand finale dessert was pared with a generous dram of the Glenfiddich Grand Château 31year-old which featured delectable whisky-poached peaches, toasted pecan and oat streusel, white peach purée, smoked crème Diplomat, vanilla pickled peaches, crafted to echo the whisky’s warmth and lingering spice.
As each of the nights ended, guests were invited onto the terrace, where sweeping views of Johannesburg created a breathtaking backdrop. Here, surrounded by city lights, they enjoyed a final nightcap while a DJ played live music, providing a vibrant soundtrack, completing each evening with the perfect balance of elegance and celebration.
The Glenfiddich Grand Château Restaurant was truly an experience without compromise—a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence, its homage to heritage, and its embrace of the modern. For those fortunate enough to attend, the evening was a rare privilege and a reminder that Glenfiddich’s magic lies not only in its storied whisky but also in the unforgettable worlds it creates.
