It’s very hip these days for whisky brands to let us the consumers be more involved in the whisky creation process. A few distilleries (such as Glenmorangie – who even went further with this letting the consumers choose the name, cask profile and even packaging of their new Tagtha expression) have done so in the past, and The Glenlivet have decided to involve us Glenlivet whisky drinkers in choosing their new whisky. They have created 3 versions of the whisky : Classic, Revival and Exotic, and have arranged many tasting events worldwide for their “Guardians” to choose their favourite from those three. While I was not able to take part in one of those events (they did not visit Israel, and i was not in time for their event in London), I was happy to have received samples of those 3 drams to taste, and make up my mind. With Jewish Holidays and all, I just managed to taste them all, just in time as it seems, since this week they have released a PR naming Exotic as the chosen one. Interesting choice indeed, It was not one of MY favourites… So, let’s try those 3 whiskies shall we?
The Glenlivet Classic – 48.7 % NAS
Nose: quite different than the regular profile. Lots of vanilla custard , orchard fruit and some dried fruit too.
Palate: peppery and sharp on first entry. thick and oily. With sweet wood , chocolate. And hints of Raisins and plums. Malty.
Finish: spicy. Peppery. Bitter chocolate.
Ok but not there. Feels young.
Score: 83/100
The Glenlivet Revival – 48.7% NAS
Nose: that’s more like what I’d expect from a livet : lighter. Apple. Pear. Citrus.
Palate: Malt. Cereal. Sugar. Cooked apples. Pear vanilla and Wood.
Finish: Hot and spicy. Bitter wood & Malt
Still a bit rough, but more in the Livet style…
Score: 84/100
The Glenlivet Exotic , 48,7% NAS
Nose: Sherry influence quite noticeable here, with some hints of rubber I did not quite like. Chocolate and a hint of exotic fruit.
Palate: Sweet, spicy with chocolate, cinnamon and some dried fruit. the meatiest of all three.
Finish: Longer, bitter sweet, with cocoa.
Score: 81/100
So,as I’ve written before, my choice would not have been the Exotic. It did feel a bit rough and not fully tamed, and that rubber note was something I appreciated. All three felt a bit too young for me, although If I had to pick one I’d go with the Revival , and Classic after that. All three whiskies (NAS) do feel a bit young and still in need of some time in the cask, and although some NAS can be lovely, younger NAS are not always as good as one would expect. I am not sure about pricing, but I’d stick with the 18 yo or even the 15 over those.
Official samples provided by The Glenlivet