Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 21 is a mature, elegant Speyside single malt that blends the classic fruit, vanilla and oak backbone of a 21-year-old whisky with exotic finishing touches from Caribbean rum casks. It doesnt hit hard in ABV (40%), but its subtlety and warmth make it great for sipping, special occasions, or gifting. If you enjoy older whiskies where finishing adds nuance rather than overwhelming character, this is a refined choice.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Distillery: Glenfiddich, Speyside (Dufftown), Scotland.

• Age: 21 years of maturation in traditional whisky barrels.

• Cask Finish: Select rum casks from the Caribbean (rum cask finishing) are used as the final touch, imparting tropical, spicy, island notes.

• ABV & Bottling: Bottled at 40% ABV; this is more about elegance than power. Natural colour (though chill-filtration is used).

Tasting Profile

Element Notes Colour / Appearance Dark gold to amber; warm golden hues with richness suggested in the rum cask finish. Nose / Aroma Vanilla and toffee sweetness; figs, banana, floral notes; new leather and oak; perhaps a hint of tropical fruit and citrus peel. Palate / Taste Soft entry; vibrant rum cask influence: ginger, lime zest, banana; spices (pepper, maybe nutmeg), oak, sweet caramel / molasses; some dried fruit. Finish Long and warming; dry spice, lingering oak, a touch of saltiness, brown sugar / toffee sweetness remains; the spice and rum warmth leave a lasting impression.

Food Pairings

• Dessert: A rum cake or banoffee pie the rum-finishing and banana / toffee notes in the whisky pair beautifully here.

• Chocolate: Dark chocolate (70%+) with orange peel or candied ginger accentuates the citrus and spice edges.

• Cheese: Aged Gouda or a nutty alpine cheese; something with a bit of caramel or toffee character to match the sweetness.

• Fruit: Tropical fruitspineapple, mangoand dried figs play well with the rum and finish.

• Savory Pairing: Roast pork with caramelised apples; or perhaps a glazed ham; the balance of sweetness, spice and oak can help cut through richness and fat.

Quick Overview

Feature Detail Name Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish Region / Distillery Speyside (Glenfiddich, Dufftown) Age 21 Years Finish Caribbean rum cask finish ABV 40% Character / Style Mature, elegant; rum-touched sweetness (tropical fruit, ginger, lime), vanilla, oak, spice; smooth rather than bold. Suggested For Gifting; sipping after dinner; those who like older expressions with nuanced exotic touches; those less keen on very high ABV.

“Finished in rum casks, the honey and orange zest aromas suggest a cocktail, not a straight pour of Scotch. These flavors are echoed on the silky palate, opening with cocoa and leather and evolving into a luscious, fudge-like finish, with hints of orange peel and cinnamon. Enjoy with a big rock of ice and a piece of orange peel, it needs no other adornment.”97 Points Wine Enthusiast

“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.”