Glenfiddich Ambassador and DJ David Allardice Takes Us Through His Favorite Music and Whisky Pairings
There’s something about sipping whisky while the crackle of an old vinyl record fills the room that creates a sensation transcendent of time. The warm amber hues of a whisky glass mirror rich, analog tones emanating from a turntable. As the needle caresses grooves on wax, each pop and hiss becomes a rhythmic companion to the complex whisky notes. It’s a ritual that marries the nostalgia of bygone eras—sepia-toned memories embedded in vinyl’s surface with the nuanced flavors of a well-aged spirit. The umber liquid, like the music, swirls and lingers, inviting contemplation and reflection. Together the best Glenfiddich whiskies and these records form a portal to the past, where the gilded glow and melodic tunes intertwine, creating an ambiance that captures the enduring allure of analog pleasures.
Few know this feeling better than Glenfiddich Ambassador and DJ David Allardice. Dave has a lot in common with scotch whisky: he was also born and raised in Scotland. Yet a fascination with the unknown took him on a world journey before calling Los Angeles home. His dedication to learning all-things-whisky and an equal love for music has evolved into a strong social media presence (@whiskysoundsgood) where the two coexist in harmony. We asked Dave what sound whisky makes, and he made us a playlist to match four selections from the Glenfiddich portfolio. Our recommendation: pour yourself a finger or two, press the play button and listen to the good sounds made better with every sip. Nostalgia in the glass and on the decks—this 4×4 is intended to take you back in time with the warmest feels possible.
Listen to: The Stone Roses – Fools Gold
Pair with: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old (The Signature)
“This legendary, Signature malt deserved a companion just as iconic,” says Allardice. Widely regarded as one of the best British rock albums of all time, The Stone Roses self-titled album was released in the late 80s, a few years after the band got together. “Although The Stone Roses may not be as well known in the U.S. as the scotch whisky, they are nonetheless an iconic British band that sprouted its roots in the early ’80s, aligning perfectly with the birth of Glenfiddich‘s 12 Year Old variant.” From the album, Dave mentions that the single “Fools Gold” is always a crowd pleaser. “It’s like they both aged to perfection together—timeless classics.”
Tasting notes: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old (The Signature) imparts a fruity, floral nose with a sweet, mild oakiness on the palate. While the finish is generally mellow and lingering, the spirit holds a bright and lively character, kinda like The Stone Roses.
Best Glenfiddich Whiskies
Listen to: Jimi Hendrix – Red House
Pair With: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old (Bourbon Barrel Reserve)
“Jimi Hendrix and Glenfiddich both maintain a distinctive connection to Kentucky and transatlantic journeys. Jimi’s early path led him to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served in the armed forces in 1961, before crossing the ocean to settle in the UK in 1966,” explains Allardice. Similarly, Hendrix’s “Red House” is deeply rooted in the blues of American music, while Glenfiddich 14 Year Old pays homage to the iconic flavors of Kentucky bourbon. This is achieved through the aging process, where the liquid matures in both ex-bourbon and virgin American oak barrels. “Each note and sip acts as a harmonious bridge between musical and whisky traditions, spanning continents and embodying a rich tapestry of cultural influences.”
Tasting notes: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old (Bourbon Barrel Reserve) emits aromas of orchard fruit with hints of orange zest on the nose. With a notable spiciness, the spirit also imparts a distinct oakiness from the bourbon barrels, providing a depth and complexity that matches perfectly with Hendrix’s expert chord progressions.
Listen to: Wu-Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M.
Pair with: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old (Suspended Time)
While Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” might seem an unlikely pairing for Glenfiddich 30 Year Old, Allardice tells us, “It is a meeting of two legends born in the same vintage year of 1993. Just as this whisky began its three decades of maturing in casks to attain its refined character, ‘C.R.E.A.M.’ became an instant hip-hop classic… still suspended in time 30 years on.” For Dave, the lyrical depth of the song mirrors the layers of flavor in the whisky. It also reminds us: “in music and in whisky, the patient rule of time truly reigns supreme.”
Tasting notes: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old (Suspended Time) has a rich nose full of dried fruits, indicative of aromas that have developed over the long maturation period. A refined oakiness with flavors reminiscent of fruitcake land on the palate. Like Dave says, “Casks Rule Everything Around Me.”
Listen to: Layo & Bushwacka! – Love Story
Pair with: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old (Gran Reserva)
Dave isn’t shy about being a romantic. In fact, he has a formula: “embrace the luxurious notes of Glenfiddich’s 21 Year Old while letting ‘Love Story’ by Layo and Bushwacka! weave its enchanting melody through the air.” This whisky began its journey going into Caribbean rum casks in 2002—the same year this deep house masterpiece was released. “With each sip, the rich layers of aged rum influence in the whisky echo the depth of emotion in the song. Together, they craft a love story of flavors and sound that unfolds gracefully, leaving a lingering and memorable impression both on your palate and in your mind,” muses Allardice.
Tasting notes: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old (Gran Reserva) is perfumed with a rich tropical fruitiness—think banana, pineapple and mango—influenced by the rum casks. The whisky is known for its sweetness, with flavors of toffee, brown sugar and honey. This one definitely brings the smooth beats.
Check out the whole Spotify playlist here!
David Allardice
Glenfiddich Ambassador
@whiskysoundsgood
