Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
70cl / 40%
The return of the name Reserva to Glenfiddich’s 21yo after a few years under different titles is also accompanied by an upgrade to its packaging. It is still finished in rum casks for four months, but now has a more elegant presentation, as befits its position towards the top of the distillery’s regular range.
TASTING NOTES
Tasting Notes by the Whisky Exchange
NOSE
Beeswax and honey, with milky coffee, buttered brioche, apples, pears and orange zest.
PALATE
Sweet and rich with a thick mouthfeel. Soft spice and orchard fruit balance sweet caramel.
FINISH
Apples and pears with dark chocolate and a touch of spice.
Billy
NOSE
Beeswax, honey, café au lait and buttered brioche – a French breakfast? Apples, pear drops, floral honeysuckle and a touch of orange on the side (the 5-a-day element perhaps).
PALATE
Sweet and rich with an oily mouthfeel. A good balance of polished oak and orchard fruit, along with some brulée sugar and gooey caramel.
FINISH
Apple, grainy pear, wood polish, some dark chocolate and a not unpleasant hint of cardboard.
COMMENTS
Sweet but balanced by both fruit and wood.
Tim F
NOSE
Rich with a brown sugar / toffee apple character. Also hints of milky coffee.
PALATE
Rich, with characteristic nuts and cooked fruit. As with the nose, the rum finish has lent greater weight and a noticeable sweetness. The oak is prominent without dominating the lively spirit. Dessert flavours – chocolate sponge cake, toffee pudding, crème brulée, even a hint of pannacotta.
FINISH
Medium length, doesn’t outstay its welcome.
COMMENTS
Another well-crafted, moreish dram. Not as overtly rummy as one might expect.