The Glenlivet distillery is located Ballindalloch , Moray and is the oldest legal distillery in the parish of Glenlivet. Founded in 1824 , it has been producing whisky for almost the entire time, including the great depression, and was only closed during WW II. While being one of the biggest single malt producers, it’s the Number one selling single malt in the USA market, which means – a lot of whisky. In addition it’s Number 2 worldwide in terms of Single malt sales. A very big player in the game. One anecdote is that Tony Soprano (of the excellent Sopranos drama) chooses The Glenlivet 12 as his whisky of choice.
The Glenlivet core ranges consists of a 12, 15 and 18 year old, as well as the Nadurra line and the top end 21 and 25 year old limited editions.
The meaning of the word ‘Nadurra’ means natural in Gaelic , and basically here it means that it’s non chill filtered. There are 3 main expression in the Nadurra line : 16 year old , Triumph (named after a variety of barley that is no longer in use by the Glenlivet) , and Travel Retail (and reduced 48% ABV).
So let’s get our review going:
The Glenlivet Nadurra , 16 year old , 57.7 ABV , £40
Colour :Golden straw
Nose : Fragrant and vibrant, lots of vanilla, wood spice, and floral notes, on top of some honey and toasted oak and ripe bananas, from the 1st fill American oak casks used.
Palate: Viscous and oily on the tongue. Vanilla, Peppers, oak, and some fruits (peaches, apples) with a gingery edge.
Finish : Long and drying, with hints of Anise, bitter fruit pulps, and burnt sugar.
Bottom line:
a very enjoyable Glenlivet. The high ABV is a good start, and the flavours are well integrated, and quite spicy and racy. It’s not your everyday dram (for that you could go with the 12 year old), but sure is a well made dram.
I cant finish this Glenlivet without a wee video featuring Tony Soprano. The coolest Gangster ever to show up on TV, doing his ‘you think i’m still the kid on the bus’ routine ;).
Le’chaim / Slainte!
the Glenlivet 12 has always been one of my favorites, and recently had the 18 and love it but the Nadurra just didn’t do it for me. it was just okay (at best) at full strength, and when I cut it with water it seemed to get worse. not a big fan of the 15 French Oak either, but that won’t stop me from exploring the rest of the Glenlivet range 🙂
thanks Erik!
The 12 was never a favorite of mine, but this one was nice… the 18 i had a long time ago.
i need to revisit it!
the Glenlivet 12 has always been one of my favorites, and recently had the 18 and love it but the Nadurra just didn’t do it for me. it was just okay (at best) at full strength, and when I cut it with water it seemed to get worse. not a big fan of the 15 French Oak either, but that won’t stop me from exploring the rest of the Glenlivet range 🙂
the Glenlivet 12 has always been one of my favorites, and recently had the 18 and love it but the Nadurra just didn’t do it for me. it was just okay (at best) at full strength, and when I cut it with water it seemed to get worse. not a big fan of the 15 French Oak either, but that won’t stop me from exploring the rest of the Glenlivet range 🙂
the Glenlivet 12 has always been one of my favorites, and recently had the 18 and love it but the Nadurra just didn’t do it for me. it was just okay (at best) at full strength, and when I cut it with water it seemed to get worse. not a big fan of the 15 French Oak either, but that won’t stop me from exploring the rest of the Glenlivet range 🙂
thanks Erik!
The 12 was never a favorite of mine, but this one was nice… the 18 i had a long time ago.
i need to revisit it!