Glenlivet 15 French Oak Review

Country: Scotland

Region: Speyside 

Brand: The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 15 Years

ABV: 40 %

Colour: Light Gold/ Amber 

Nose: Sweet Creamy Apple Pie covered with Raisins, Buttered Toast and Pineapple Marmalade, Malt, Oak, Vanilla, Honey, Resin, Citrus, Caramel, light Spices and Red Fruit. There is a certain Bourbon feeling to the Nose of this Glenlivet.

Palate: Slightly Bitter Oak and (Winter) Spices like Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon and Pepper are quite noticeable and are accompanied by Salted Almonds, Honey, Toffee, Toasted Cereals, Malt, Apples and Plums. 

Finish: Dry, Creamy and Spicy with Pepper, Caramel, Vanilla, Cherries and Bourbon.

I added a bit of water and the Nose becomes even more Fruity and Malty and also a bit Floral. The Palate and Finish become very Woody and Spicy. Let's keep it neat shall we!

Rating: 84

Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 21- Overall: 21

General Remarks: George Smith built The Glenlivet Distillery in 1824. It moved to the current location, Minmore House near Ballindalloch in 1858 and produces around 6 million litres of Alcohol yearly. Current Owners are Chivas (Pernod Ricard). Glenlivet is the best selling Single Malt in the USA and the second best on a global scale. Most of the production is sold as Single Malt with the remainder going to the Chivas Regal – and Royal Salute Blends. Most distilleries closed various times during their history, especially during the Depression and in wartime. But Glenlivet only closed during World War II. Without any doubt, the Glenlivet has contributed a lot to the current popularity of Single Malt whiskies. The 15 Years French Oak Reserve matured in Ex-Bourbon casks and is married before bottling with a limited part of the same spirit that matured in French Limousin Oak Casks. This wood is normally used to produce Casks for fine Wines and Cognacs. The Glenlivet Distillery used it for the first time for whisky. The 12 Years expression was created in the early 2000's but has been discontinued and replaced by the 15 Years. The 15 French Oak Reserve costs around 55 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: The idea behind the French Oak Finishing was certainly interesting. Lots of Cognac, Armagnac and noble Wines have matured in Limousin Oak. Well, the Glenlivet 15 French Oak is better balanced than its former younger brother the 12 French Oak that I reviewed earlier. The Nose is quite Nice and Fruity and the Finish seduces you to have another sip. But on the Palate this Glenlivet leaves a bit to be desired. Oak and Winter Spices are very dominant here and I don't care much for the bitter Notes. On the whole however this is a pleasant entry Single Malt, especially for Bourbon drinkers who start to explore Scotch Whisky.  

Jan van den Ende                                                                    August 6, 2013