Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva Review

Brand: Glenfiddich
Age: 21 Years
ABV: 40%
Price: £179.95

Welcome, whisky lovers and curious sippers! Today, we're diving into the venerable world of Glenfiddich with their 21 Year Old Gran Reserva. Let's uncork this bottle and delve into what makes this dram a conversation starter.

First Impressions

Upon first glance, the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva boasts an alluring amber hue that promises depth and complexity. The traditional Glenfiddich bottle, with its iconic stag emblem, is elegant and immediately recognizable, hinting at the storied heritage of the distillery.

On the Nose

Bringing the glass to the nose, the whisky greets you with an intricate bouquet. There's a rich sweetness reminiscent of ripe banana and fig, layered with toffee and a subtle hint of leather. The aroma suggests a final maturation in Caribbean rum casks, which imparts a unique twist on the classic Glenfiddich apple and pear notes.

Tasting Notes

As you take your first sip, the smoothness is apparent; it's gentle on the palate despite its age. The flavours are a harmonious blend of sweet toffee, vanilla, and a whisper of ginger spice. The rum cask finish shines through, delivering a warm, tropical fruitiness that dances with the traditional Glenfiddich character.

Value for Money

With a price tag of £179.95, this is certainly a premium whisky. Is it worth it? For a 21-year-old Scotch with the complexity and uniqueness that the rum cask finish provides, I'd argue that it represents a fair value for the connoisseur looking to experience a well-aged dram with a twist. It's not your everyday sipper, but for special occasions, it's a delightful indulgence.

Comparisons

In the realm of similarly aged whiskies, you might find yourself comparing this to the likes of The Balvenie 21 PortWood or the Glenlivet 21 Archive. Each has its own distinct finishing process that sets it apart, with the Glenfiddich leaning into its rum-infused heritage.

The Distillery

Glenfiddich, hailing from Dufftown in Speyside, Scotland, has a reputation steeped in tradition and innovation. They were one of the first distilleries to market single malts and continue to push boundaries with expressions like this Gran Reserva.

Final Thoughts

The Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva is a testament to the distillery's ability to produce a whisky that's both classic and contemporary. While it may not have the highest ABV, the flavours are well-developed and offer a unique experience thanks to the rum cask finish.

Rating: 4/5

Summary: A refined and distinctive dram, the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva offers a delightful twist on traditional Speyside flavours. It's a whisky that tells a story with each sip, making it a worthy addition to a collector's shelf or a celebratory toast. While it's a bit of a splurge, it's a splurge that delivers on its promises.

Cheers to your next whisky adventure!