A special edition of the single malt whisky, Glenfiddich, has been barred from the US market because it has been made from whisky aged in Cuban rum barrels and therefore contravenes the longstanding US embargo on importing products from its Communist neighbour.
Just as whisky companies have used sherry and port casks for ageing certain special whiskies, Glenfiddich Havana Reserve, a 21 year old whisky which was launched last June and retails for around £60 a bottle, has been made by ageing the whisky in Cuban rum casks. Glenfiddich, which is owned by the independent whisky company, William Grant, said the Cuban rum flavour complemented Glenfiddich “perfectly”.
A spokesman for Glenfiddich said the ban was a shame as the US was an important market for the brand, being the third largest after the UK and France.
