The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years
40% ABV/80 Proof
$45
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What the Distillery Says:
Selective maturation in new French Oak casks made from Limousin Oak creates a characterful and unique expression of The Glenlivet. The rich, spicy notes from French Oak interplay with the fruit and floral notes of The Glenlivet. A delicious whisky to savour.
COLOUR
Deep gold, with intense late afternoon summer sunshine shades.
NOSE
Creamy and rich. Resinous fragrances swirl up before melting into a citrus fruit salad bowl. Orange peel and candied grapefruit aromas. Then, the bouquet opens on buttery notes. Shortbread, almond brandy snaps, vanilla toffee, fudge sauce. A dry spicy echo with a touch of liquorice resonates in the back.
PALATE
Round, sweet, incredibly smooth and velvety. Wood is entirely integrated but present all the way, sweetly enveloping fruity and nutty flavours in an oaky shell. Luscious chocolate fudge lingers on.
FINISH
Lingering with traces of toasted hazelnuts and lightly smoked almonds.
What Richard Says:
Nose: This one is kind of like a vanilla stone fruit parfait. Apricots, peaches, and cream jump out on first whiff. I also get a lot of the oak the dram is named for.
Palate: Fruity (mostly apple), malty, vanilla, and oak. This is a sinfully drinkable dram.
Finish: Initially creamy and then it leave a tannic bitter note accompanying the oak and spice. The finish is my least favorite aspect of this dram but I mitigate that by drinking more of it. 😉
Comments: This is a regular in my home whisky bar. It’s a staple of my table whiskies. I don’t like it as much as the old 12 Year Old French Oak Finish it replaced but it is a very enjoyable sub-$50 15 year old.
Rating: Must Try