How to Detect Fake Glenfiddich ‘Gran Reserva’ 21 [by Kelechi Deca]

Learn how to detect fake Glenfiddich ‘Gran Reserva’ 21 whisky. Protect your investment and ensure you’re getting the authentic, high-quality spirit.

During a warmth discussion the other, the topic dovetailed to how to dictate authentic from fake drinks.

It was a very interesting and enlightening discourse as it centered on one of the best the human palate can attest to: The Gran Reserva. So what do we know about this beauty?

This is because the Gran Reserva transforms the uncommon into unequalled.

If there is any drink that should never be faked, the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 21 is that. It must be a journey of wicked ingenuity in its most distilled form to engage in such fakery of an art in liquid form that was patiently matured for 21 years rich and ripe with Glenfiddich signature notes.

Being a “single malt whisky,” this means that it was produced by a single distillery. Using a single malted grain, which is typically barley.

Like other Glenfiddich products, the Gran Reserva is painstakingly mellowed for 21 years in Scotland, starting without even a whimper, to announcing its greatness.

But when it comes of age, after full initiating that starts from the age of full manhood at 20, followed by the great unveiling of its perfection at the age of 21, it starts shinning.

Finishing in Caribbean reserva rum casks adds sharp ginger, sultry fig and uplifting lime notes that build to a crescendo of sweet toffee and spicy exotic warmth. That confirms its baptism.

It is ‘luciferian’ to fake such exquisite product that was excellently crafted for the palate of the gods. So during our discussion, few things were pointed out for buyers to watch out for when going for the Glenfiddich 21.

According to Glenfiddich, to differentiate between the real thing and Apongbon Under Bridge, check out the Security Seal:

The 21-year-old Gran Reserva has a tamper-evident seal that is well crafted in such a way it cannot be imitated. And if it is broken, it would be self evident to know that that is a red flag.

Unfortunately, tipsy eyes do not see clearly.

Assuming you have more than a bottle, and you escaped the Security Seal test, another way to detect a fake product is the taste. At least, that would save you from journeying farther.

The Glan Reserva 21 has a rich blend of the Glenfiddich signature notes which maintains that spicy uplifting lime notes, sweet toffee, and a hint of sultry fig. Counterfeit products can’t give this palate assurance, all it offers is a flat flavor.

Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old are finished in Caribbean rum casks which gives it a luxurious, lingering finish that’s unmistakable. Under Bridge guys at Apongbon cannot replicate this. Theirs taste like semi-coloured spicy Sapele water.

It hangs on your tongue minutes after your intimacy with it like first night with your belle. It is that smooth, warm finish with a touch of sweetness signposting the authenticity of Glenfiddich 21-year-old. That rich elegant oak notes blends alluring notes of dried fruit, candy peel, and dates.

Words cannot explain in details the interactions between the tongue, the brain and the heart. The Caribbean rum casks helps awaken the liquid, rousing it with extra exotic notes of ginger, fig, lime, and banana, and a vibrant spicy toffee warmth, elevating it from something great to something extraordinary.

Lying like the sleeping beauty inside a combination of both American & European oak casts for 21-years without disturbance should have something to show for it, which is why it gives it uniqueness in taste and elegance in a blend.

Another thing to look out for is the packaging. Inspite of how innovative technology has improved the packaging industry, those with well trained eyes can still detect the fakes.

Going through all the packaging I saw at display at Naija Liquor, it is easy to see how being a little patient while making your pick can help you overcome imitations.

The packaging is a story in artistry, when you run your fingers on the fine embroidered prints, the feel is like a Braille embossments speaking to you.

The perfection in printing and in packaging is so beautiful that you would love to keep it even after dispensing with the liquid contents. If you have seen, tasted, and touched the real thing before, it would be easier for you to detect the fakes.

Even the quality of printing on the packaging oozes out its own truth.

Drink responsibly! Drink right!

And if you are sure what you bought is fake, you can report to Glenfiddich.

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