Glenlivet 12 Year Old Pure Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) - Older label
Described as 'the quintessential Speyside malt' by whisky writer Michael Jackson.
'Make no mistake, this is one of Speysides definitive malts' - F. Paul Pacult, Kindred Spirits.
What Grande Champagne is to Cognac, the glen of the river Livet is to Speyside. And as with fine wine, the location of each single malt distillery plays a key role in determining the character of the whisky. It is the combination of air, water, and other natural forces that influence the taste, flavour, and aroma. The glen on the river Livet is also one of the most scenic and romantic glens in the Scottish Highlands. As you savor The Glenlivet you can almost picture the rolling hills and laughing waters. Part of the Glenlivet's complexity comes from a combination of lightly and heavily peated malt as well as both soft and hard water.
Tasting Notes: Pale golden colour. Perfectly balanced fruity aroma with delicate floral fragrance and vanilla/honey sweetness. Medium weight palate. Sweet summer fruits balanced between malty dryness. A slightly nutty, woody character is also evident from the use of new bourbon and sherry wood casks. Dry, austere finish. This a lighter, elegant style of malt - certainly a bench mark for Highland whisky. 40% alc./vol.
Further notes...Golden yellow hue. Soft peaty aromas with delicate malt and floral accents. Follows through with a smooth palate with sweet malty flavors and a soft heathery finish. A lighter-styled but highly drinkable malt. 87 points (Highly Recommended) - www.tastings.com
Further notes… Nose: Lifted. Apple wood, heather, baked soft fruits mixed with cereal, citrus and pear. In time there’s notes of freshly-sawn wood, freesia and dried orange peel. Complex but light as well. Palate: Light and fragrant. All the notes on the nose come through. Medium-bodied and gentle. Finish: Dry and clean. Comment: Right back on form. Is some more mature stock being blended in? 8 /10 - www.whiskymag.com