Name: The Glenlivet 15 – French Oak Reserve
Color: Light Brown
Nose: Malt, citrus, green grass, light spice, light wood
Taste: Malt, soft oak, spices, almonds
The Glenlivet 15-Year-Old French Oak Reserve is a Speyside whisky from Moray, Scotland and is one of the big “Glen’s” in the whiskey world. Found in 1824, it is the oldest and continuously operated distillery and is currently owned by Pernod Ricard. The distillery produces approximately 19 different expressions with prices ranging from affordable to “Holy Shit, how much?”. See last month’s review for the Glenlivet 14 or the Glenlivet 12.
Glenlivet 15 uses French oak barrels to finish the whisky. Oak barrels from France are different than American not only in geographic location, but also in species. French oak is either “Quercus robur” or “Quercus sesiliflora”. American oak is “Quercus alba”. The char level, age, and area grown can also affect the barrels, but there is a distinct flavor difference with oak barrels.
In terms of flavor:
- French Oak has subtle notes of spices and is smoother.
- American Oak has notes of vanilla and coconut and is creamier.
This expression is very light and smooth, and I can see a portion of that coming from the barrels, but it is 15 years old and bottled at 40% abv so it should be smooth tasting.
It is easy to drink, but not my style. I like a little bite on my scotch. Not the super heavy wood or peat flavor profile, but a scotch tasting scotch if you get my meaning.
Priced around $100 and is very good, but a wee bit too expensive and too light for the price and age.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
