Glenfiddich 21 Year Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

Glenfiddich 21 Year Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish is the rum cask finished aged single malt from the legendary Glenfiddich Distillery, founded in 1886 by William Grant and his sons in Dufftown, Banffshire, in the heart of Speyside, with first distillation taking place on Christmas Day 1887 (the date prominently displayed on every Glenfiddich bottle). Glenfiddich is widely considered the original modern single malt brand, the bottle that pioneered the entire single malt category in the 1960s when most Scotch production was destined for blends, and remains the bestselling single malt scotch in the world by volume. Glenfiddich is also one of the very few large Scotch distilleries that remains entirely family owned, with descendants of William Grant still running William Grant and Sons today. The 21 Year Gran Reserva is the next step up from the celebrated Glenfiddich 18 Year in the brand's premium aged collection and follows an unusual two stage maturation: the spirit is first patiently matured for a full 21 years on site at the distillery in traditional American oak casks, then Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman hand selects individual casks and decants them into Caribbean rum casks for an additional finishing period of approximately 4 months. The rum cask finishing layers tropical warmth, sharp ginger, sultry fig, uplifting lime, banana, and spicy toffee character over the underlying Glenfiddich 21 Year Speyside foundation, transforming the spirit from "great to extraordinary," per the brand's official tagline of "Raised in Scotland. Roused by the Caribbean." Bottled at 40% ABV in 750ml in distinctive Glenfiddich premium presentation packaging with a deep burgundy red gift box adorned with the iconic stag emblem.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber gold with rich burnished copper highlights from the 21 year American oak maturation and Caribbean rum cask finishing.

Nose: Intense and vanilla sweet, floral, with hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather, oak, sweet apples, lemons, honey, melons, fresh cut dew laden grass, fudge, candied orange, baked apple, dark toffee, and toasted almond.

Palate: Initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, with peppery character, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger, spices, caramel, brown sugar, ripe banana, fig preserve, gingersnaps, pineapple, milk chocolate, apple slices, and exotic warmth from the rum cask influence.

Finish: Very long, warming, dry, and spicy, with lingering exotic notes of ginger, fig, lime, banana, vibrant spicy toffee warmth, and a final crescendo of sweet spice and gentle oak.

FAQ

What makes Glenfiddich historically important? Glenfiddich was founded in 1886 by William Grant and his sons in Dufftown, Banffshire, with first distillation taking place on Christmas Day 1887. Glenfiddich is widely credited with effectively inventing the modern single malt scotch whisky category: in the 1960s, when virtually all Scotch production was destined for blends, the Grant family made the bold commercial decision to bottle Glenfiddich as a single malt for export, becoming the first distillery to market single malt scotch internationally. Today Glenfiddich is the bestselling single malt scotch in the world by volume, with annual production capacity exceeding 21 million liters, and remains entirely family owned by descendants of William Grant.

What is the Gran Reserva rum cask finishing process? After 21 years of maturation in American oak casks at the Glenfiddich distillery, Malt Master Brian Kinsman hand selects individual casks based on their character and readiness, then decants the selected spirit into Caribbean rum casks for an additional finishing period of approximately 4 months. The rum casks contribute distinctive tropical sweetness, exotic ginger, fig, lime, banana, and spicy toffee character that complements the established Speyside foundation. The finishing window of 4 months is carefully controlled to enhance the underlying single malt without overwhelming the long 21 year aged character.

What was the original name of this expression? When this expression was first launched in 2002, it was originally called "Glenfiddich 21 Year Havana Reserve" in reference to the original use of Cuban rum casks for the finishing. Due to the longstanding US embargo on Cuban products, the name was changed to "Gran Reserva" to allow distribution into the American market, and the rum cask source was diversified across Caribbean origins. Pre-2016 bottlings of the Gran Reserva are increasingly collected by enthusiasts as historical Glenfiddich artifacts.

How does this compare to Glenfiddich 18 and 23? The Glenfiddich aged range begins with the iconic Glenfiddich 12 Year, continues through the 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve, 15 Year Unique Solera, 18 Year, and into premium aged territory with the 21 Year Gran Reserva (this expression), the Grand Cru 23 Year (finished in French Cuvée wine casks), and various ultra premium 26, 29, 30, and 40 Year limited releases. The 21 Year Gran Reserva is the most accessible expression in the Glenfiddich Grand Collection premium aged range, with the rum cask finishing distinguishing it from the more traditional aged Speyside profile.

Where can I buy Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.