The Glenlivet Tasting: 07/04/11

This post has been long overdue admittedly, but as a prelude to Singaporewhisky's upcoming review of The Highlander Bar, here is a review on the The Glenlivet Tasting at The Highlander on the 7th of April!

The Glenlivet Whisky is one that needs very little introduction. A powerhouse in the world of whisky, and one of the best selling whisky in the world, The Glenlivet can lay claim to be one of the most recognisable brand names in this industry. Founded in 1824, The Glenlivet is the first distillery in the Parish of Glenlivet, is categorized as a Speyside whisky and is one of the older distilleries in Scotland. The Single Malt is extremely well known the world over, but whisky distilled from The Glenlivet also goes into Parent company Chivas Brothers' blends as well, such as the world renowned Chivas Regal and Royal Salute whiskies. Those of us at the tasting were entertained by Mr. Rajan Menon, Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard here in Singapore.

The three expressions that were tasted are the three core expressions in The Glenlivet Range, The Glenlivet 12, The Glenlivet 15 and The Glenlivet 18. I managed to squeeze in some tasting notes so here goes:

Name: The Glenlivet 12
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 12
Alc/Vol: 40%

The standard distillery expression of The Glenlivet, the 12 year old is a statement of what The Glenlivet is about at its most basic, with the fruity and floral characteristics of the whisky taking centre stage

Nose: Nice and pleasant with hints of pineapple, citrus, light spices and salted butter, with a strong honey note controlling proceedings (21)

Taste/Palate: The Pineapple sweetness starts following with a kick of spice and salted butter before the influence of the wood comes in (19)

Finish: Nice and woody with a salty finish taking it too the end. Very simple and short (19)

Overall: A pleasant introduction to the world of whisky with a very nice nose, but the rest is quite normal. (20) 79/100

Name: The Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 15 Years
Alc/Vol: 40%

The Glenlivet 15 year old is very much different to its younger brother, as it is finished in French Limousin Oak which contained French brandy. This imparts an altogether different taste that does lift the whisky up a notch complexity wise

Nose: Strong nose with notes of bananas, pineapple, honey and toffee. A deeper note of spice and nuttiness is also detected with notes of cinnamon and salted peanuts (22)

Taste/Palate: Medium bodied that is fruity and slightly chewy. Honey with warm spices and the influence of the wood and the slightly winey flavours of the brandy shine through (20)

Finish: Light liquorice with the rich influence of the casks lingering through to the finish (21)

Overall: As highlighted, a big improvement from the 12, with more flavour and more depth, and certainly more complexity! (21) 84/100

Name: The Glenlivet 18
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 18 Years
Alc/Vol: 43%

The Glenlivet 18 was the final bottle that was tried that night, and was certainly the most decorated of the lot. Having garnered 2 gold medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), The Glenlivet 18 is a highly rated Single Malt Whisky, and its longer period of maturation did prove the defining factor in making it the star of the show that day.

Nose: A more mature nose with less notes of aggressive alcohol despite its stronger percentage. Notes of stewed fruits like plums and Pineapples that have been roasted over a fire at a Churrascaria. Hints of nuttiness, honey, toffee and cream (24)

Taste/Palate: Smooth with an estery sweetness upon entire, but the honied notes come through with a flavour that is like honey stars cereal. A strong malty sweetness and the wood play a bigger role. (22)

Finish: The malty sweetness follows through to the end with a much more pleasant and lingering finish (22)

Balance: Overall a nice whisky, but much more is taken in by the nose, and a slightly disappointing taste and finish just shakes it up a little. (21) 89/100

Where to find: The 12 can be found at most good liquor stores, but for the full range one can go to: The Highlander Bar, La Maison Du Whisky, The Auld Alliance

Many thanks to Rajan Menon from Pernod Ricard, as well as Sonny and Fransisca from The Highlander Bar for the wonderful tasting!