Exploring The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Range
1823 was a monumental year for the whisky industry in Scotland. The passing of the Excise Act ushered in a new era for whisky distillation, or rather, for legal whisky distillation.
The passing of the Excise Act meant that whisky could be produced legally. No longer did illegal bootleggers need to produce illicit goods while keeping an eye out for the exciseman at the same time. This new era of whisky production meant that distilleries could expand and improve their repertoire.
When George Smith turned his back on his old bootlegging ways and decided to produce whisky in a legitimate and legal way, he embraced change. Smith opened the only legal distillery in Glen Livet, and thanks to heavy investment, he utilized technology, branding, and marketing to his advantage.
By the mid-nineteenth century, his particular style of whisky was unmistakable. It was rich, full-bodied, complex, mysterious, and full of character, a bit like George himself. His whisky was a hit and it wasn’t long before his distillery became known as THE Glenlivet.
To this day, The Glenlivet is a brand synonymous with Speyside, and the whisky industry itself. Here are my thoughts on some of their most popular expressions.
In Gaelic Nadurra means ‘Natural’. It’s only fitting then, that The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Nadurra, is one of the freshest, most natural-tasting drops going.
From the award-winning distillery comes this cask strength, bourbon-matured American oak cask single malt.
The whisky itself is a pale straw colour. As it’s a cask strength the ABV comes in at a toasty 55.7%.
On the nose, I picked up ripe zesty citrus fruits, vanilla beans, freshly mowed grass, overripe sweet grapes, pine needles, Seville marmalade, and even pear drop sweets. There’s also vanilla and a hint of oak, if your airways are clear enough. If not, they will be after a sip of this!
On the palate, it was malty and sweet. I picked up bourbon vanilla sweetness, maple syrup, toasted oats, mint and basil, and summer berries. There was also a definite taste of milk chocolate and caramel, with a peppery spiciness at the end.
The finish was lengthy, intense, and spicy. There were hints of menthol, along with vanilla and pink peppercorns.
If one of your friends is, for some bizarre and unheard of reason, hesitant to try whisky and wants to try something sweet, creamy, smooth, and evocative of Speyside, give them this!
This is a classic Speyside dram. It has everything you could ever expect, and want, from a Speyside, and more besides. It’s won gold at numerous drinks competitions in the past, and I’m not surprised why.
At 40% ABV it’s one of the smoothest drams going. This compliments the rich crimson amber colour of the whisky perfectly. It looks sweet and smooth, and that’s exactly what it is.
On the nose, you get baked apple, golden demerara sugar, light anise and cloves, old antique shop, bookshop leather, chocolate fudge, sherried citrus peel, butterscotch, and bonfire-toasted, smoky marshmallow. I’m salivating as I write this!
On the palate, there are surprising undertones of peat smoke and charred oak. This works beautifully with the caramel biscuit flavours, baked apple pie and custard, and toasted oat notes that shine through. There’s also a definite chocolate orange vibe going on here, and I’m all for that! A bit of spice? Hmm, maybe.
The lengthy finish is much dryer than I expected, leaving me with apple, allspice, and a spicy oak aftertaste.
This triple cask whisky has been finished in first-fill Oloroso sherry, Colheita port, and Troncais oak Cognac casks, and my word, what a taste sensation it is.
It’s rich, it’s full-bodied, it’s complex, it’s 43% ABV, and it’s a wonderful amber copper colour. What’s not to like?
On the nose, you can expect caramelised pears, winter baking spices, stewed apple and shortbread, and Panettone bread.
On the palate, it’s fruity and sweet, complex, fruity, and full of fig, raisins, dates, and dried apricot flavours. Sip again, and you should pick up ginger, dark malt chocolate, apple pie, barley sugar, and a touch of spiciness.
The finish long and warming. Expect more baking spices, more apple and some gingernut biscuit right at the end.
Finally, we have the 25 Year Old offering from TGL.
This double cask dram has been finished in first-fill Oloroso sherry and Troncais oak Cognac casks to provide a complex, rich, and warming drop.
With golden shades of amber, it looks special from the get-go. At 43% ABV it’s also not too harsh, yet not too smooth either.
On the nose, you definitely get the Cognac and sherry cask influences. There are strong aromas of grape, dessert wine, chocolate mousse, orange blossom honey, toasted almond, and cinnamon cake. You almost feel guilty sniffing it, it really does smell that decadent.
On the palate, sweet fig and honey are the strongest flavours for most. There is also a prominent toasted tea cake taste here, one which has been slathered in salted butter. Candied orange peel also shines through, along with toasted oak and malty drink.
The finish is long, sweet, and orchard fruity. There’s also a definite spicy note right at the end there. Delicious!
If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a wee dram or two at the same time, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the impressive selection of whiskies we have available
Greg
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