The Glenlivet is one of the world’s two top best-selling scotch whiskies. The Speyside brand’s 15-year-old French Oak Reserve is aged in new French Limousin Oak sourced from the rural Dordogne region in southwestern France. The oak’s low density enables the distillate to penetrate deeply into the wood, absorbing more of its natural flavors. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). There are no bottle or brand website notes about whether it is or is not chill filtered or if natural barley-based caramel coloring is added.
The tasting notes below are based on multiple spaced-out notes-taking sessions using Glencairn and Stölzle Lausitz Whisky Nosing glasses over eight months.
COLOR: Dark Gold
NOSE: Orchard fruits (chiefly pear & apple), pineapple, cherries, mixed with dried fruits (raisins & cherries), oak, sweet malt/bready, some nuttiness, light but discernible baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, light cloves), honey, vanilla, floral notes, & a hint of brown sugar.
PALATE: Starts with assertive black pepper & baking spices (cinnamon) mixed with fruity sweetness (mix of cherries, raisins, some orchard fruits), some vanilla, very prominent oak, malt, nut (almond) paste.
FINISH: 5-7 seconds (ends with oak, black pepper, baking spices, hint of fruitiness & vanilla, mild oak tannins)
MOUTHFEEL: Medium viscosity on the glass/Creamy & full mouthfeel
VALUE: Premium-priced unpeated scotch (for me, an occasional pour due to price)
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Maybe, if I can get it for a good price/on sale
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One response to “SHORT REVIEW: The Glenlivet 15-Year French Oak Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky”
[…] moving onward in my scotch exploration, The Glenlivet’s 14 Year Cognac Cask Selection and 15 Year French Oak Reserve opened the door to scotches for me last year and the distillery and brand will always have a […]
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