I have fond memories of The Glenlivet 15 year old from my early years as a whisky drinker, so it should be fun to revisit this one. Part of the 15 year old has matured in French oak casks from the Dordogne region, where it is usually used to mature cognac, but according to brand ambassador Ian Logan we’re not talking about “full maturation in French Oak, only a small amount and for only a couple of years”.
The Glenlivet 15yo ‘French Oak Reserve’ (40%, OB, 2016)
Nose: Oranges and kumquats, but also fermented red grapes, stewed pears and marzipan, with a touch of oak shavings. Also some fudge.
Taste: Pretty creamy with plenty of wood. Rum raisins, cinnamon and brown sugar, but also something citric. It’s delicate.
Finish: Some vanilla and some spices. Drying. Ends on a slightly bitter note. Short to medium in length.
Rating: 78
I’m not sure if this is a step up from the Glenlivet 12yo. Pretty dry at the end there, after the nose provided a promising start.
Sample provided by The Whisky Wire/Pernod Ricard