Discover the surprising history – and geography – of Glenfiddich 21 Year Old whisky

With brisk flavours of lime and ginger, soft hints of smoke, and an undeniable kick of pepper and spice, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old whisky is a spirit with a story to tell.

Boasting exceptional provenance from both Scotland and the Caribbean, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is the only Glenfiddich single malt to undergo unique finishing in Gran Reserva casks that once contained premium Caribbean rum, specially imported to The Glenfiddich Distillery.

The rum is blended to a secret recipe, using ingredients from several tropical Caribbean islands, to awaken its distinctive notes of ginger, lime and banana. With tastes and flavours that are raised in Scotland and roused by the Caribbean, it’s a truly unique whisky.

Raised in Scotland  
The family behind Glenfiddich describe themselves as perfectionists – as their 21 Year Old whisky bears out. Patiently raised in Scotland, the spirit is an exquisite, traditional Speyside whisky – rich and 
ripe with the signature Glenfiddich rich smoothness.

But the process doesn’t end there. Rather than being bottled straight away, the Glenfiddich family give their ‘malt master’ the freedom to add a finishing touch – and surprisingly exotic twist.

Roused by the Caribbean
Reserva barrels that previously held Caribbean rum become the whisky’s new home – for a short time at least. This rum-finish permits the whisky extra exotic notes. Sophisticated palates will detect ginger, fig, lime and a vibrant spicy toffee warmth.

The rum from the barrels is long-gone by the time the whisky meets the barrel – but it isn’t forgotten. That’s because it’s made exclusively for Glenfiddich – using a secret recipe – for the very purpose of seasoning the barrels.

If you assume that not many whisky-makers go to the trouble of sourcing their own original rum to season the casks, you’d be right. However, as a family-run business since 1887, Glenfiddich has always had the freedom to innovate. That’s one of the reasons they’ve become the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky.

Renowned across the world
Dark golden in colour, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old only has to hint at its heritage. The intense scents of sweet vanilla, new leather and oak do the talking on its behalf – as do the awards it’s received.

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is one of the distillery’s most highly awarded single malt, with accolades including ‘Best single malt scotch whisky over 15 years’ and ‘Best single malt scotch whisky 21 years or over’ at the International Spirits Challenge 2015. Experts around the world acknowledge the quality that comes from the drink’s global heritage. By the time it hits your glass, it’s already been on quite a journey.

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old has an ABV in domestic markets of 40%/43% and in Global Travel Retail of 43.2%.

For more information, visit The Glenfiddich website or Facebook page

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This article has been tagged Food + Drink, Culture