The Glenlivet 21 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

The Glenlivet distillery, founded in 1824 by George Smith in Speyside, Scotland, was one of the first legally recognised distilleries in the region and helped to define the classic Speyside style—elegant, fruit-driven, and refined. Over nearly two centuries, Glenlivet has grown into one of Scotland’s most respected and globally recognised single malt brands, while maintaining a focus on quality, consistency, and innovation. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

The Glenlivet’s master blender team crafts each aged expression with great care in cask selection, balancing the distillery’s signature fruit and floral core with complementary oak and sherry character. For the 21-year expression, the philosophy includes finishing select casks (bourbon + sherry, and other special casks) to deepen complexity without masking the spirit’s elegance. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This whisky uses 100 % malted barley. Yeast strains are internal to the distillery, typical of Speyside tradition, and water is drawn from the Glenlivet estate springs (notably Josie’s Well and other local springs), providing purity and mineral clarity. 

Distillation Process

The Glenlivet employs traditional copper pot stills in a double distillation system. The stills are lantern-shaped with tall necks to encourage reflux and refine the spirit toward a lighter, elegant profile. 

Maturation & Cask Information

The Glenlivet 21 is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, hand-selected and carefully blended to deliver richness, depth, and layered complexity. Some versions are finished in special casks (e.g. Oloroso sherry, port, or cognac) as part of limited editions or “Sample Room” releases. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich dried fruits (figs, raisins, prune), toasted oak, spice, subtle citrus peel, and honeyed warmth. 

Palate: Full and smooth, delivering dark fruit compote, candied orange peel, baking spices, a hint of leather and dark chocolate, nicely balanced acidity and oak. 

Finish: Long, warming, with lingering oak spice, dried fruit, and a touch of toasted nuts. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with roasted game (venison, duck), aged cheeses (Comté, mature Gouda), dark chocolate desserts, spiced stews, figs or dried fruits, or nutty desserts.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open aromatics. Use a Glencairn glass or tulip whisky glass to focus the nose. Ideal drinking temperature: ~16–18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, the whisky is stable and not intended for further maturation. Store upright in a cool, dark environment (≈15-20 °C). After opening, consume within 1–2 years to preserve aromatic freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single Malt (100 % malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43 % (typical for this Glenlivet 21 expression)