Glenfiddich 21 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains a family-owned distillery under William Grant & Sons. It was among the first to worldwide promote single malt whiskies in the 1960s and continues to hold its position as the world’s best-selling single malt. The distillery uses Robbie Dhu spring water from mash to bottle and maintains in‑house cooperage and copper‑smithing. The 21‑year expression is part of Glenfiddich’s elite Grand Series, offering a premium aged whisky with exotic finishing flair  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Under Malt Master Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich carefully selects barrels after 21 years of maturation and finishes the spirit in Caribbean rum casks. This approach reflects a philosophy of combining classic Speyside elegance with innovative global cask finishes to elevate the sensory experience  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Crafted from 100% malted barley—sourced from local Scottish growers—and distilled with Robbie Dhu spring water. Traditional fermentation using time-honored yeast strains helps maintain the distillery’s honeyed, fruit-forward signature profile  .

Distillation Process

Distilled in copper pot stills (16 wash and 27 spirit stills) built and maintained in-house. The whisky is unpeated, produced in small batches, and subject to slow fermentation—all hallmarks of Glenfiddich’s smooth, fruity style  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for 21 years predominantly in American ex‑bourbon and European oak casks, and finished for approximately four months in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks. This rum cask finish imparts exotic spice, fruit, and warmth to the liquid  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense vanilla and tropical fruit—banana, fig, sweet brioche, floral notes, new leather, oak, and rich toffee 

Palate: Initially gentle, then brisk and drying—peppery with hints of smoke, oak spice, lime, ginger, grapes, caramel, and fresh green apple 

Finish: Very long, warming, dry with lingering spice, honeyed toffee, oak tannin, and pepper; the rum cask lifts the warmth and complexity 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Best enjoyed with caramelized nuts, dark chocolate, dried fruit pastries, mild aged cheeses (like Comté or Manchego), and tropical fruit desserts like banana tart or coconut custard.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C. A few drops of water may open up aromatic layers. Ice is not recommended, as it may mute subtle rum and orchard fruit characteristics.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a 21-year bottling, further maturation in-bottle offers minimal change. Consume within a few years once opened to preserve freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley, finished in bourbon-matured casks then Caribbean rum casks; unpeated.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40% (80 US proof)