How to unmask counterfeits of 21-year-old Gran Reserva

With constant incidences of “what I ordered versus what I got,” we thought it necessary to put together a checklist for you to ensure every 21-year-old Gran Reserva you pick off the shelf or order is exactly what you expect.

The 21-Year-Old Gran Reserva was intentionally crafted to ensure you experience only the best-rounded flavours whenever you pick up our signature bottle. Ready to know what’s on the list? Keep reading.

[ad]

Tips on How to Differentiate Between an Original and an Imitation of a 21-Year-Old Gran Reserva

Take a look at some tips to help you ensure you purchase the original 21-year-old Gran Reserva:

1. Check the Security Seal: The brand has spared no expense in safeguarding this traditional Speyside Whisky. All you have to do is regard the security seal as your first line of defence. The 21-year-old Gran Reserva is adorned with a tamper-evident seal that’s not just there for show. Before you open a bottle of the 21-year-old Gran Reserva, make sure this seal is intact. If it’s been tampered with, take a step back—it’s a red flag.

[ad]

2. The Taste Profile: Now, assuming your bottle has passed the seal check, let’s move on to the good stuff. The 21-year-old Gran Reserva, which was allowed to patiently mellow at the distillery in Scotland for 21 years, is renowned for its unique taste profile. With a rich blend of the single-malt whisky signature notes—uplifting lime notes, sweet toffee, and a hint of sultry fig—counterfeits usually fail miserably in replicating this complexity, delivering a flat, uninspiring flavour. So, trust your taste buds; it’s a reliable ally in your quest for authenticity.

3. Packaging Perfection: Authentic Glenfiddich packaging is a work of art. Many thanks to the malt master, Brian Kinsman, who handpicks the whiskey’s barrels and adds a finishing touch instead of merely bottling it in the usual way. The label is meticulously printed, with every detail crisp and clear. If the bottle in your hands has a wonky label, uneven printing, or a less-than-perfect finish, you might be dealing with a phoney.

[ad]

4. The Finishing Touch: The 21-Year-Old Gran Reserva undergoes an extra special process—finished in Caribbean rum casks, it has a luxurious, lingering finish that’s unmistakable. This is a flavour note that counterfeits just can’t replicate. That smooth, warm finish with a touch of sweetness is the hallmark of an authentic 21-year-old Gran Reserva.

Still in Doubt? Reach Out

It’s better to be safe than sorry, and the Glenfiddich team is always ready to help you ensure you’ve got the real thing. This is your foolproof guide to ensuring that the 21-year-old Gran Reserva in your glass is as genuine as the craftsmanship behind it.

[ad]