The Glenlivet 12 yo First Fill, 40%

Review #472

As you might have guessed, this is matured solely in first fill American oak barrels. Lots of flavours on the nose. White fruits, vanilla, coconuts, burned caramel, burned oak and just a hint of flowers. Very impressive considering the low ABV.

In the taste, the first fill casks really shows off. Bourbon meets Single Malt. Burned oak, vanilla, spices, but with the elegance of The Glenlivet. The wood really comes forward in the finish. Some fruity sweetness as well, especially the sweetness from over ripe pears!

When I say “Bourbon meets Single Malt”, I really mean it! Many people could probably mistake this for a Bourbon! This is not overly complex, and it is just 40 %, but it is just good from start to finish. How good would this have been at cask strength, or even just at 46 %? Well, have a go and experience a classic example about what first fill American barrels can do. I will give this 84/100 (21/20/21/21).