Opulent, mature. Sherry influence. An intricate array of fruit and wood. Christmas cake-like. Sultanas. Maraschino Cherry. Thick-cut marmalade. Oak panels in an old church. A cedary touch. Balsamic spices. Cubebe papper. A hint of eucalyptus. Tropical hardwood. Oak soon give way to malty notes. Fruit and fibre cereal bowl. Toasted granary bread. Citrussy freshness. Orange and kumquat peel. Some cakey notes. A reminder of Grand Marnier souffle.
Opening bouquet offers sedate fragrances of dried flowers and malted barley; aeration stimulates marginally bigger aromas of dried yellow fruit (baked banana), toasty oak barrel and still-vigorous spirit. Palate entry is succulent, honeyed and luscious; midpalate tastes of dates, figs, S’mores, cocoa butter, nougat and dark fudge. Finishes oily, buttery, honey-sweet and focused.— P.P. (12/15/2009) — 96-100
Tasting Notes Character: The mature and debonair oneColour: Amber with sparkling copper shadesNose: Aromas of dried fruit with a sherry influencePalate: Cinnamon and ginger with a syrupy mouth feelFinish: Lasting and warm with a hint of toasted hazelnuts
Technical Notes George Smith knew that Glenlivet was the perfect location in which to make whisky, which is why he built his distillery there in 1824. But it required all his skills as a distiller and his unrivalled knowledge of the glen and its resources to succeed. The Glenlivet of today is George Smith's priceless legacy. Crucially, the three fundamental elements in the whisky-making process - spring water, copper stills and oak casks have remained unchanged. So have the skills have the people who make it. That is why the Glenlivet is as incomparable now as it was at the beginning.
Additional Notes Over the years, The Glenlivet range of whiskies has consistently won awards for its finesse, complexity and superb balance. The Glenlivet, acknowledged as The single malt that started it all due to its defining role in the creation of the Speyside style whisky is still leading the way. All The Glenlivet expressions have won awards this year, most of them winning Gold or Master Medals. This is a testament to the outstanding quality of the whisky and a tribute to the skill of our whisky makers who ensure that the quality is maintained year in year out.