I’m a whisky lover. Whisky is the biggest category explored on my website due to my love for finding something new within its boundaries. This also means that I love to be ahead of the game sometimes, and have been honoured with the chance to sample new expressions over the years. Today though, I have the chance to experience three whiskies that will define the way forward for a brand, and two of them I will never get the opportunity to purchase again. The Glenlivet have a name for their global community, The Guardians of The Glenlivet, and I being one of them, have been tasked with a simple yet rewarding event.
Three expressions of The Glenlivet, simply titled #CLASSIC, #REVIVAL and #EXOTIC. All created by master distiller Alan Winchester, but only one will go into production in February 2014, the next chapter for its limited edition range of 2000 9-litre cases. My goal? To choose which is my preferred. Sounds easy? Well lets see what I think of each –
#CLASSIC – 48.7%
A good blend of pineapple and fruit cake on the nose, with hints of pear coming through close to the end. Orange, dried fruits and the pineapple once again cause a wave of flavour to pass over the palate, creating a lingering yet warming finish. Expect no dryness despite the flavours.
#REVIVAL – 48.7%
Very soft hints of honey and toffee on the nose, alongside dry aromas of nutmeg and walnut. A slow spice that develops on the palate to release the likes of aniseed, cinnamon and ginger. Slight sharpness near the very very long finish. A little dry too.
#EXOTIC – 48.7%
Sweet aromas of fudge, vanilla and honey on both the nose and palate. A more subtle spice comes through, with dried raisin and ginger dominating. Hints of dark chocolate and crème brûlée follow to give a long, bold and lasting expression. A dominating finish.
I myself voted for the #Classic, with the #Revival a close second. However #Exotic came out on top overall, winning the chance to be bottled in 2014!
Sláinte.
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