Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:42 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the variations between Glengoyne 18 and Glengoyne 21 in this comprehensive analysis and make an informed decision on which Single Malt aligns better with your taste preferences!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Glengoyne 18 vs Glengoyne 21: Comparison
Glengoyne 18: Fruity and complex with a vibrant nose, rich mouthfeel, and a long, balanced finish. Traditional and lively.
Glengoyne 21: Full-bodied with ripe fruit and vanilla on the palate, ending in a long, spicy finish. Rich and well-balanced.
Verdict: Both Glengoyne 18 and Glengoyne 21 offer unique experiences. The 18 provides a traditional and lively taste, while the 21 delivers full-bodied richness and balance. Each caters to those seeking quality and depth in their whisky, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Rated Glengoyne Whisky
Glengoyne 18: A Lively Dram for Traditional Tastes (Fruity & Complex)
- Nose: Ripe fruit, vanilla, honey, raisins, sherry
- Palate: Dark fruits, oak, orange zest, ripe fruit
- Finish: Long, ripe fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: GlenDronach 18
Glengoyne 18 offers a vibrant nose filled with apple, banana, orange, and hints of vanilla, honey, raisins, all wrapped in a rich sherry aroma. The taste lives up to the promise, showcasing a delightful mix of dark fruits, orange zest, apple, and banana. The whisky boasts a viscous body, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
The finish is impressive: well-rounded, balanced, and enduring, with a touch of heat and spice adding complexity without overwhelming the sweetness.
Glengoyne 18 stands out for:
- Lively taste profile with a good balance of fruit and spice
- Viscous body for a rich mouthfeel
- Complex finish with a touch of warmth
- Traditional-style whisky, less sweet than some 18-year-olds
This might be your whisky if:
- You enjoy a lively and complex dram.
- You prefer a traditional taste profile with less sweetness.
- You’re looking for an alternative to sweeter 18-year-olds like Glenfiddich 18 or Glenlivet 18.
Additional notes:
- Aged in a mix of first-fill and refill sherry casks, contributing to the rich flavors.
- Free of artificial coloring, unfiltered, and vegan-certified.
- Unpeated, ensuring a clean and smoke-free taste.
Overall, Glengoyne 18 is a satisfying and complex single malt at a reasonable price. While some may prefer the sweeter GlenDronach 18, Glengoyne offers a unique and lively alternative for those seeking a more traditional whisky experience.
Glengoyne 21: Sherry Delight with a Bite (Full-Bodied & Balanced)
- Nose: Ripe fruit, oak, vanilla, orange peel
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, oak, orange peel, ginger
- Finish: Long, baking spice, clove, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Macallan 18
Glengoyne 21 offers a delightful nose bursting with ripe fruit, vanilla, orange peel, and subtle oak. The palate is where this whisky shines – full-bodied and satisfying, with prominent ripe fruit and vanilla flavors balanced by oak and a touch of spicy ginger.
The finish is impressive for a moderately strong whisky. It lingers with a rich blend of baking spices, oak, and a subtle clove note, leaving a pleasant warmth with a hint of bite.
Glengoyne 21 stands out for:
- Full, satisfying mouthfeel
- Well-balanced flavor profile with delightful fruity notes
- Intriguing complexity with a touch of bitterness in the finish
Additional notes:
- Aged entirely in sherry casks, contributing to the rich flavors.
- Free of artificial coloring and vegan-certified.
- Air-dried malted barley ensures a smoke-free taste.
Overall, Glengoyne 21 is a well-rounded sherry-aged whisky that offers a unique and satisfying experience for single malt enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glengoyne 18 | $160 |
| Glengoyne 21 | $220 |