Glenfiddich 21 Year Reserva Rum Cask Finish

Had the pleasure of trying this interesting scotch from a friend. The rum barreling was fairly present giving off a slightly fruity aroma that went onto the taste. Along with that came some brown sugar and caramel flavors. A touch of oak and leather as well. This went down very smoothly with a semi lingering finish. A solid release from Glenfiddich.

Nose; Raisins, malted honey, marzipan, a curious smidge of smokiness no doubt coming from the rum casks. Water makes the nose a little more fragrant. Palate: Sweet and soft arrival, very easy and approachable. Demerara sugar opening onto toffee and chocolate covered raisins. A light spice note of ginger and clove, and a mild coffee presence but it is all very soft. The texture is light but there is an oily quality. Water turns the texture creamy, which is pleasant, and it also opens the palate by bringing out more sugars but I did not detect much rum character. If adding water don’t add more than a half teaspoon to a dram as this is only 40% abv. Finish: Short. Sweet malt fading to cereal. The rum cask influence on this extremely approachable malt is subtle. The distillate speaks clearly of its Glenfiddich origin and the wood has not been allowed to overtake the proceedings. There is no tannin whatsoever. Glenfiddich does not garner love from hard-core enthusiasts, which is a pity. It may lack the intense character and complexity of some whiskies but I can honestly say that I’ve never had a Glenfiddich that I’ve actively disliked. They can be very good but for me they don’t ever rise to a sublime level. However the two biggest things against this dram are the cost and the measly alcohol level. AUD$275 is the best local price I’ve seen and for that money there are other bottles I’d rather buy, and crippling a nice whisky like this by bottling it at only 40% is criminal. If it was 46% (preferably) or even 43% it would be substantially more impressive and much better value. Tasted at the Glenfiddich Whisky Lounge, from a 2024 batch bottle. “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)