Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 48%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Pernod Ricard
Average price: € 40.00
Official website: www.theglenlivet.com
Vote: 75/100
A limited and special edition of the historic Glenlivet, paying tribute to its founder George Smith and the days when he was involved in clandestine distilling, along with a large number of Scots across the state.
Released in 2020, the brand’s intention is that this bottle should replicate the whisky as it was made back in the day, although I have an idea that this will simply translate into the lack of chillfiltration and artificial colouring.
Even in the strength, although bigger than the original version, they could have dared a little more with a cask strength, but I guess if they wanted to stay in this price range, it would have been too much to ask!
A curiosity: in the UK it was launched as an exclusive for the giant Amazon.
Tasting notes
Brass in the glass.
The nose is softly floral and fruity, a bright lime freshness caressing a fruit tart, with chunks of peach, pear and pineapple resting on lemon cream. In the background, a pleasant note of propolis. Caressing.
The mouth is tickled by a touch of ginger, even more full-bodied fruit (crisp apple) and the overall tone becomes pungent, with citrus notes and lively lemon zest. Spicy touches of cinnamon sprinkle over almonds, vanilla and a streak of rhubarb that cleans the mouth.
The finish is quite long and dry, of hazelnuts, apple, vanilla and cinnamon with a woody aftertaste.
Pleasant and not lacking in points of interest, it offers a satisfying experience in its simplicity, losing a little in the finish where the wood peeps out more than it should. Overall, however, it presents the basic version of Glenlivet as it should be: elegant, pleasant and well-structured.