Rick here... for my first three choices I went simple, bought a Glenlivet gift pack of 12, 15, and 18 year old Glenlivet complete with complimentary tasting glasses, and gave the gift packs as Christmas presents to dad, Bob and Ned. Ho Ho Ho.
First a bit about Glenlivet. Founded in 1824, the distillery is in north eastern Scotland in Ballindalloch, home of Ballindallock castle in a wild and isolated Glen (hence Glenlivet). Glenlivet's stills are lantern shaped with long, narrow necks, all of which helps to produce a light tasting spirit.[ There is a lot of history to be found at their web site. http://www.theglenlivet.com/
Enough, background, on to the tasting! As the organizer de month I got to chose the order, so to start things off right, I chose the 18 year old.
This is what a retailer had to say about 18 year old Glenlivet:
"A very special Glenlivet. The bouquet is remarkably flowery, clean and soft. The taste is light-bodied with a delicate balance between sweetness and malty dryness. Flowery, peachy, notes of vanilla with a restrained, long gently warming finish. 90-95 points and Highly Recommended, Wine Enthusiast"
Sounds good doesn't it? On tasting the key words are 'soft', 'light-bodied' and 'delicate.' My first clue should have been a Wine magazine was recommending it. In short, my thoughts of this 18 year old is that its a Scotch for non scotch drinkers. My bad
My notes during the actual tasting:
smooth.. almost to the point of too smooth. Thin, easy, only a slight bouquet .. lightly amber color… okay for sipping.. wont offend. Still has a kick if you try to drink too fast.
For an 18 year old... I prefer something with a bit more peat. But that's me. The best part of the tasting was that dad was with me at the time.
So, a week late to this party as I was beset by a nasty bug last week. The benefit is, I et to double dip tonight... ;>)
ReplyDeleteI found the 18 to be complex, starting soft and yet finishing with a nice warmth. There is a subtle earthiness about it, and with eyes closed, I could almost feel the warm summer afternoon on the moor.
While not strong coming out of the gate, I rather enjoyed the 18 by the 5th sip or so. A drop of water brought out more of the flavor and the sweetness.
ReplyDeleteColor: light caramel
Legs: Coats the inside of the glass with a clear demarcation. I guess that means strong legs
Nose: This is where I totally fail. It smells like alcohol to me, medicinal, maybe some hay
Taste; Warm, slightly smoky, no real burn in the back of the throat
Finish: Very long, smooth finish.
After tasting the nose is significantly different, buttery? Maple syrup? Much less medicinal
According to the official notes, it is sweet in the nose with floral layers. I did not really notice that until after I tasted it.
A drop of water make the nose scents much more pronounced, definitely sweeter
First, I must add that this was one of the distilleries your mother and I visited on a trip to Scotland many years ago - I startled the folks in the bar in Callander by ordering a Rob Roy (we were in McGregor-land). Look it up. Your mother purchased a bottle of the local water which mixed well with the glenlivet as I recall.
ReplyDeleteAs for this specimen, I don't think it was on offer during the tour as a "wee dram" but I do recall liking the taste better than your mother at the time. Now, many tastes later, I have the sense that an 18 should be more than this. Perhaps a full bottle would settle the issue. In the summer on the porch at HighHope in my rocker. But, I fear other's would take precedence.