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Episode 20: The Glenlivet 15 and 18 Comparison

I question was asked in my Instagram feed about Glenlivet. This prompted me to take a look at the two bottles I have on hand; the 15 year finished in French Oak, and the 18 year with a touch of spirit aged in ex-sherry casks.

The Glenlivet 15 year is a step up from their 12 year expression. I have not tried their founders reserve yet, so I can't compare to that entry scotch. On the nose I find some younger fruits like green apple or pear or something crunch and slightly under ripe. Some wood scent or oil can be picked up and a gentle sweetness comes up with time. On the palate, I am surprised by the presence of alcohol on the first sip. This is bottled only at 40% and after aging for 15 year, I would have expected the charcoal to pick up most of that. It's not overwhelming and it fades with a few sips. The taste brings out sweet grain, a little spice and some more light fruits. As it finishes I find the wood notes to come up. It is surprisingly woody or oakey. I like the interplay between the sweet and light nose and the stronger oak finish, but for some it might be bitter.

The Glenlivet 18 year old has been aged in both ex-bourbon an ex-sherry casks. I could not find a definite number, but I have read or heard it is likely around 15% has been finished in sherry. The nose reflects this mixed heritage. It retains some of the sweetness of the younger bottles, with light vanilla, but adds a light amount of darker fruit like cherry or plum. On the palate this is a richer, creamer scotch. The fruit continues but is more like raisins and figs. I find a bit more spice already here, and the caramel or sugars are stronger. The finish is medium in length and is much better balanced with some oak, a bit of vanilla and spice. Finishing a dram of this leaves the impression of a balanced but fairly simple scotch.

I think Glenlivet is easy for Scotch drinkers to overlook. We are often searching for very unique expressions, strange caskings, or something no one else has talked about. Glenlivet is one of the largest producers of Scotch, so they would not fit in to that search. However, I find these expressions to be solid representations of Speyside whisky, and I often include the 15 year old as an example of only ex-bourbon or oak in a tasting flight of scotch. I would also say these expressions often go on sale, and when the sale is deep, I suggest they are a good value and deserve consideration.

The Glenlivet 15 year old rating: ✮✮✮✬✰
The Glenlivet 18 year old rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
A link to my video review: https://youtu.be/yuMDwiVHaeA
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