Longtime readers will know that The Glenlivet 12 Years played a significant part in the early years of this blog. Yet, I never spend any time on its successor, The Glenlivet 12 Years Double Oak, which was launched in 2019. We’ll amend that with today’s review.
When I say significant, I’m referring to the day I broke the news that the Glenlivet 12 Years was going to be discontinued. To this day it remains one of the best read posts in over a decade of Words of Whisky. It helped establish my website maybe more than any other article I’ve posted (save this GlenDronach one).
Whereas the Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve kind of deviates from the distillery norm, its 12-year-old sibling is one of the distillery’s flagship expressions, representing its signature style. Nevertheless, the maturation regime for The Glenlivet 12 Years Double Oak is kind of vague.
Or at least, the description of it on the company’s website is. It “first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks.” Are we saying American oak casks aren’t traditional? And what is American oak casks synonymous to – new oak or ex-bourbon?
I thought about asking for clarification, but ultimately decided such knowledge wouldn’t necessarily enhance my tasting experience of The Glenlivet 12 Years Double Oak. Maybe I’ll follow up some day. But for now…
Glenlivet 12 Years Double Oak (40%, OB, 2024)
Nose: A mixture of ripe orchard fruits (think pears, apples, etc.) with a touch of honey and some vanilla, but also a whisper of lemon zest. There’s a tinge of sawdust alongside some barley dust. Overall a very friendly, accessible experience.
Taste: Considering the low strength, the mouthfeel is relatively rich, but the oak is pretty loud. More sawdust, some gentle spices and strong breakfast tea. A honey-esque sweetness, vanilla and gentle leafiness.
Finish: Short to medium. Oak spices linger for a little while. Ending on apple peel.
Photo: Whic.de
