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If you are an avid reader of WhiskeyBon you will know that I recently reviewed the Glenfiddich 12, Glenfiddich 15 Unique Solera and Glenfiddich 18. If you are not an avid reader, then I’m very disappointed in you. You’ll also know that I’m generally a fan of the Glenfiddich so I was excited to try and review this Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva.
This is a rum cask finish in a similar vein to the Balvenie 14 which I rather enjoyed. This essentially means that the whiskey spends a few months in a cask that previously contained rum, the idea being that it will impart some of the rum flavours from the barrel. It’s an interesting idea but sometimes I just wonder if the whisky would have been better aged for 21 years and skipping the rum stage. It would be an interesting experiment to see the difference.
Anyway… without any further ado here is my review of The Glenfiddich Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish:
About the Distillery
The Glenfiddich distillery was established by William Grant in the year 1886 in Dufftown, Scotland. Located in the glen of the River Fiddich, the name “Glenfiddich” translates as “valley of the deer” and explains why the company logo is a stag.
Glenfiddich single malt is made using water from the Ribbie Dhu spring and is recognised as being the World’s best-selling single malt whiskey, as well as being the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge.
During the 1920s, when the prohibition era was at its peak in the United States, the Glenfiddich distillery was one of the very few that managed to actually increase production. Some years later, in the 1950s, the distilleries infrastructure was expanded to include coppersmiths to look after the copper stills and a cooperage that is today one of the few remaining in the Scottish distillery community. The iconic triangular bottle design was introduced in 1956.
Whisky Details
On the website:
“Patiently matured for 21 years on-site at our Distillery, our 21 Year Old 20cl is an exquisite, traditional Speyside whisky, rich and ripe with our Glenfiddich signature notes. But rather than bottle it, as other distillers would, our Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, hand picks selected barrels and adds a sublime finishing touch.
By finishing our 21 Year Old in Caribbean rum casks it awakens the liquid, rousing it with extra exotic notes of ginger, fig, lime and banana and a vibrant spicy toffee warmth, elevating it from something great to something extraordinary. Which ultimately, makes it the perfect gift for all occasions.
Raised in Scotland. Roused by the Caribbean.”
Distiller: Glenfiddich
Region: Speyside
ABV: 40%
Proof: 80
Age: 21 Years
Website: https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/collection/core-range/21-year-old-20cl/
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Sweet apples, apple juice, lemons, honey, melons and freshly cut dew-laden grass. Really vibrant. Some vanilla and caramel, a little oak and fudge.
Taste:
Caramel and loads of fruit with zesty lemons, pears, apple juice and grapes. More oak on the palate than the nose. You get some molasses but more of a bourbon like sweetness. Great combination of sweet, fruit and wood.
Finish:
A lot of wood with honey, fudge and some pepper.
Summary
A great whisky. Not sure how much the rum cask adds there is some sweetness but you tend to get this from Glenfiddich anyway and it’s more bourbon-like than rum-like.
The flavour profile is classic Glenfiddich however and that is a good thing. It is a mature and well-rounded whisky and I would recommend it to anyone.