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| The Glenlivet 15 years French Oak Reserve Single Malt Scotch |
The Glenlivet 15 years French Oak Reserve is one of those single malts that doesn't have all the media buzz and praise that critics heap on other malts like The Macallan 12 years. I guess the consensus among critics is that The Glenlivet 15 is not all that special.
I receive usually five to ten emails a week from readers and often they ask what my opinion of one malt or another is. Invariably, The Glenlivet 15 is raised by more than a few readers. So, naturally I thought I should investigate.
Nose
Very fruity and floral. Roses, cherries and dark berries. Not the most incredible of aromas to rise out of my glass, but that's ok because the price was not the most incredible either.
Palate
Cherry, rich dark plums and of course oak. Creamy. An exotic oak, but not too exotic such that it is weird. All pleasing flavors here. Soft, enjoyable, very drinkable texture. Nice firm mouthfeel to this one.
Finish
Vanilla, more oak and drying a bit. Not super long, but not bad either.
General Impressions
Most, if not all, tasting notes on this single malt have understandably emphasized the oak. The oak is good. But, I taste some sherry, not a great deal, but a little and wanted to know if I was crazy. So, I dropped an email to The Glenlivet and they promptly responded (for which I thank them) and advised that their Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, does age a very small amount of this spirit in sherry butts of each vatting.
This is not the greatest of single malts, but at the price point, it certainly does deliver. Smooth and drinkable. This malt is widely available, but don't think that because it is so common it can't be good. It is good. Very pleasing. Meets all the benchmarks of what goes into a nice malt. Quite quaffable. Makes a nice gift for the scotch enthusiasist who doesn't want to be overwhelmed with a strong array of flavors. No bite, bitter or offensive flavors will be found in this malt.
Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed by this, reasonably priced, middle of the road malt.
Cheers!
Jason Debly
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