Throughout June, luxury department store Harrods is hosting ‘Tokyo after Dark’, an art installation to mark the launch of Glenfiddich’s limited-edition 29-Year-Old Grand Yozakura.
The installation, concluding on 29 June and spanning two spaces on Harrods’ fifth floor, is said to be inspired by the nightlife of the Japanese capital, and was created in collaboration with Japanese-inspired ceramicist King Houndekpinkou.
The dark blue is supposed to represent the midnight sky above Tokyo, the handmade cherry blossom petals evoking Hanami, the sakura festival, and the gold flourishes symbolise the whisky.
Houndekpinkou said of the project: “In summer 2012, I met the person who introduced me to pottery and changed
my life forever. That evening we shared a few drinks at an izakaya in Tokyo. In Japan, it’s custom that you pour drinks for others and vice versa. Through this installation I am sharing my experience with the visitors by pouring my story, represented by the
wave, into someone else’s metaphorical cup.”
The drink being promoted in this particular space is Glenfiddich’s 29-Year-Old Grand Yozakura, which combines the traditions of Scotch whisky with those of Japan, and retails in Harrods for £1,500. It is the first single malt Scotch finished in ex-Awamori (a rice-based spirit) casks, after a 26 year stint in American and European oak at the Glenfiddich distillery.
Glenfiddich UK brand manager Zoi Fysari said: “Glenfiddich 29-Year-Old Grand Yozakura, the latest limited-edition release within the renowned Grand Series, exemplifies our brand’s maverick spirit, which is utterly embodied by this unique collaboration.”
To enable visitors to immerse themselves in the whisky, and Houndekpinkou’s creation, iPads showing videos explaining the partnership and the artist’s creative process are scattered around. In addtion to Grand Yozakura, other Glenfiddich expressions will be available for purchase. The Baccarat Bar will also be serving the premium spirit.
