# Multisensory Whisky Series The Vanguard Series by Fettercairn Explores Synaesthesia By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-09-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-vanguard-series References: [thespiritsbusiness](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/fettercairn-series-explores-synaesthesia/)  [Fettercairn’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tropical-single-malt) master whisky maker Gregg Glass experiences synaesthesia and the unique ability to "taste in color," which inspired The Vanguard Series, a set of whiskies that explore flavor through the senses. "I tend to pick up sensory elements, particularly linking colour and texture to the flavour and character of the whisky. I capture that in my tasting notes, which show how the colours I experience change as the flavour of the whisky evolves," explained Glass. The first two releases in the three-year Vanguard Series introduces a [rare 29-year-old](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rare-marriages) and a non-age-statement expression. While fewer than 100 bottles of Vanguard 29 Year Old are available worldwide, the small-batch 46.3% ABV non-age-statement Vanguard shares the result of innovative [hybrid cask maturation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pursuit-of-passion-wine-cask-collection). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 49% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Synaesthetic Branding:** The exploration of cross-modal experiences, as evident in synaesthetic whisky branding, highlights an untapped avenue for creating unique sensory brand identities. - **Hybrid Cask Maturation:** Combining different cask types to develop complex whisky profiles opens the door for creating distinctive taste experiences that appeal to niche consumer segments. - **Ultra-limited Editions:** Producing highly exclusive, limited-edition products creates scarcity and allure for collectors and connoisseurs, driving demand through exclusivity. ### Where This Applies - **Luxury Beverages:** High-end spirits like rare whiskies are redefining the luxury beverage market by incorporating unique sensory experiences to differentiate and enhance appeal. - **Experience Marketing:** The integration of multisensory dimensions in product offerings signals growth opportunities in experience marketing, engaging consumers through immersive sensory storytelling. - **Craft Distilleries:** Small, craft distilleries are innovating by experimenting with hybrid cask techniques and sensory branding, offering novel products that differentiate from traditional mass-market competitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sensorial Whiskey Expressions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/egans-senses.md) - [Perfume-Paired Whiskies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfume-and-whisky.md) - [Flavor-Fused Whiskys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glenlivet-rum-and-bourbon.md) - [Experimental Whiskey Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tailored-spirits-experimental-series.md) - [Collectible Whisky Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Collectible-whisky-releases.md) - [AI-Enhanced Tasting Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diageo-flavorprintconnect.md) - [Prestigious Whisky Expressions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-series.md) - [Experimental Whiskey Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tailored-spirits-co-the-experimental-series.md) - [Sensorial Whisky Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akro-malt.md)