It caused quite a stir last year when the news broke on this blog that The Glenlivet 12yo would be replaced by The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. Since then I’ve reviewed the Founder’s Reserve and wasn’t too impressed. Now it’s time to review the 12 year old and see if it is really such a shame that availability has become limited.
The Glenlivet 12yo (40%, OB, 2016)
Nose: Pineapple and vanilla with a hint of ginger. Also freshly cut green apples, as well as a nice touch of honey. Some pencil shavings.
Taste: Creamy with hints of red apple and marshmallows followed by soft notes of honey. Slightly floral with a touch of pepper. Not offensive, but not very impressive either.
Finish: Stewed apples and some bitter wood. Mildly spiced. Medium in length.
Rating: 78
A decent whisky that won’t knock you off your socks, but gets the job done. I rate it a tad higher than the new Founder’s Reserve.
Sample provided by The Whisky Wire/Pernod Ricard
I have to agree with you on this one. A good intro to single malts but it’s nothing outstanding. Still I do have 2 bottles of it which I brought prior to it being replaced by the Founders Reserve (which I’m still yet to try).