Glen Keith 21 Years
The Glen Keith 21 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky that is matured exclusively in oak casks. It is produced by the Glen Keith Distillery, which has been located in the Speyside region of Scotland since 1957.The single malt, which has been matured for more than two decades, comes in the typical packaging style of the distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On opening the bottle, the aroma of Glen Keith 21 Years is intense and fruity, with strong notes of peach and apricot. The whisky has a velvety smooth smell with sweet vanillin and marzipan notes. There is also a slight oak note that adds depth and complexity to the aroma.
Palate
On the palate, the Scotch has a rich and creamy mouthfeel. The predominant flavour is marzipan, with hints of green apple and other light fruit notes. There is also a slight toffee flavour as well as a honey sweetness.
Finish
The finish is long and sweet, with a strong presence of oak. The oak flavours add depth and complexity to the whisky and balance the sweetness and fruitiness of the other flavours.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
The Glen Keith 21 is a true whisky for the pleasure-seeker: soft, fruity, and with an enticing sweetness that leaves you wanting more. It wraps you in marzipan and peach without ever becoming overly complicated – perfect for relaxed evenings with character!
Sascha 81/100
Technically clean and well-balanced, the Glen Keith 21 presents itself as a balanced Speyside whisky with a clear oak structure and a harmonious blend of fruit and vanilla notes. While it lacks a bit of complexity, its solid maturation and coherent mouthfeel make it a reliable choice for lovers of refined single malts.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Glen Elgin 12 Years
Glen Elgin, one of Scotland's lesser-known distilleries, has been distilling whisky since around 1900. After being closed several times, the distillery has been producing its own bottlings since its reopening in 1998, in addition to a lion's share which is processed in blends.Apart from special releases and anniversary bottlings, the 12-years single malt is the only permanently available bottling of the distillery. A reason to try it.
74/100
Braeval 1994/2019 - Sansibar
Braeval - a distillery that is often overshadowed by its more famous Speyside neighbours, even among whisky connoisseurs. This is mainly due to the fact that official bottlings are virtually non-existent. Instead, most of the production ends up in blends. Fortunately, there are independent bottlers such as Sansibar that make it possible to enjoy such hidden treasures as single malts.
87/100
Tamdhu 18 Years
The Tamdhu distillery is committed to both naturalness and the use of Oloroso sherry casks. The 12, 15 and 18-years standards are released at over 46% strength, uncoloured and non-chill-filtered. Today we have the 18-years Tamdhu in our glass.
83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 21-year maturation in oak casks influence the taste of the Glen Keith 21 years?
The long maturation in oak casks imparts a complex aroma profile with intense notes of vanillin, marzipan, and a pronounced oak character. This gives the whisky depth, balance, and a long-lasting, sweet finish.
What characteristic aromas can one expect in the Glen Keith 21 years?
The Glen Keith 21 years presents fruity notes of peach and apricot on the nose, complemented by sweet hints of vanillin and marzipan. On the palate, marzipan, green apple, toffee, and a subtle honeyed sweetness dominate.
How does the Glen Keith 21 years differ from younger Glen Keith releases?
Compared to younger expressions, the 21-years Glen Keith shows a noticeably more complex and deeper aroma profile, mainly due to the extended cask maturation. The oak notes are more pronounced, leading to a richer mouthfeel and a longer, sweet finish.