Glenlivet was my first introduction to single malts, years ago. Since then I have developed a taste for very smoky peaty scotches but I like to keep a bottle for Glenlivet around, usually 18 year. A while back I tried their Nadurra and was deeply disappointed. This review is of the 15 year French Oak Reserve. This was an exceptional tasting scotch. The nose is bright with mild citrus. The taste is very smooth. No matter how big a gulp I take it doesn’t burn (yes I gulp my scotch). The flavor is strong and bold but contains gentle flavors, if you can believe it. I know it sounds like a contradiction a strong and bold representation of something subtle or gentle but it’s true. I taste apricot and nuts and a bit of bread flavor, sweet bread like Challah. The after taste is stronger than the initial taste. If you are a Glenlivet fan you will be impressed with this element of their collection at about $62 per bottle it’s definitely worth it, very impressive.
Copyright 2015 David R Bergman