Glenlivet is a distillery that left an indelible mark on Scotch whisky, particularly in the Speyside region. Many distilleries appended ‘Glenlivet’ to their name for years to align themselves with its esteemed reputation and the distinctive style of whisky crafted in Speyside. For further insight into this historical context, I recommend reading an article by the Professor on the now defunct scotchwhisky.com. Originally, this review was intended to feature a Glenlivet 12-year-old bottled in the 1970s or 1980s. Unfortunately, half of my miniature bottle evaporated, rendering the whisky flat and lifeless. Instead, we’ll explore an official Glenlivet 12-year-old from 2018, alongside a mysterious Speyside #4 Batch 13 from That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Yes, we may have tried a few other whiskies from Boutique-y recently! The identity of the secret Speyside #4 distillery remains a mystery, of course!
Glenlivet 12-Year-Old (2018) Review
This official Glenlivet 12-year-old, known as the ‘Smooth Flowing One,’ appears to have been matured in both European Oak and American Oak casks, according to WhiskyBase. Whilst this detail is not specified on the bottle itself, I’m uncertain if the recipe differs from the current ‘Double Oak’ Glenlivet 12, which also utilises European and American oak casks. Unfortunately, this expression has been heavily reduced to 40% ABV, coloured, and chill-filtered.
Colour:
Deep copper
Nose:
Neat: Light aromas of dusty orchard fruits, including peach, pear, and yellow apple, greet the nose. Subtle notes of vanilla and aniseed complement the fruitiness, with a hint of pineapple. Though of low intensity, the aroma is pleasant.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a rather thin mouthfeel. Flavours of orange, pear, and red apples dominate, accompanied by subtle hints of caramel and a touch of wood. A hint of ground grey pepper adds a subtle spiciness. Some malty notes as well. Overall, it’s a very approachable and inoffensive whisky.
Finish:
The finish is characterised by notes of pepper and woody bitterness, with a short to medium length.
Comments:
This Glenlivet 12-year-old certainly isn’t inherently flawed, with likeable aromas and flavours. Unfortunately, its major downfall lies in being lacking in substance and easily overlooked. It fades from memory the moment it’s consumed…
Rating: 4/10
Speyside #4 Batch 13 That Boutique-y Whisky Company Review
All clues on Boutique-y’ website strongly suggest one of Scotland’s two largest distilleries. With the hint ‘the one that started it all’, coupled with a nod to the widely used suffix by many Speyside distilleries, the identity becomes apparent. This secret Speyside #4 Batch 13 unveils itself as a 25-year-old single malt, matured in an ex-Bourbon barrel laid down in October 1997. Bottled in 2023, it yields 403 bottles of the usual 500 ml, filled at 51.6%, with no artificial colouring or chill filtration. Still accessible in the UK from £150 and Germany from €155.
Colour:
Amber
Nose:
Neat: The nose reveals a depth and intensity surpassing the official 12, yet still presents those charming dusty orchard fruits. Aniseed notes persist, alongside hints of mint, honey, and a touch of polished oak.
With water: Upon reduction, the aroma sharpens, with added dusty nuances and a distant hint of blood orange.
Palate:
Neat: The palate is characterised by a prominent woodiness, accompanied by notes of bitters and vanilla. Green and red apples mingle with hints of cooked spinach leaves and the presence of an unlit cigar. Menthol tic-tacs and a medley of spices, including pepper, tabasco sauce and clove.
With water: Adding water results in a creamier mouthfeel, with pronounced flavours of vanilla pods and an intensified spice profile.
Finish:
The finish is marked by lingering notes of apples, complemented by hints of lemon curd, a spoonful of grapefruit juice, a touch of wood and mint leaves.
Comments:
Highly drinkable, with a nice fruitiness and spiciness, this distillery is definitely more enjoyable when not overly diluted. At an RRP of £150, the price seems quite reasonable in today’s market, especially for a 25-year-old single cask offering, even in a 50 cl bottle.
Rating: 7/10
Thanks Dave! As usual, bottle pictures taken from Whiskybase.
