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Congratulations To Alan Winchester – ISC 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner!

July 16, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Alan Winchester

The Glenlivet is celebrating a true industry icon as it raises a dram to its very own Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, who has been awarded one of the most prestigious industry accolades, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Starting out as a distillery tour guide before becoming the ultimate guarantor of THE definitive Speyside malt, The Glenlivet, Alan has experienced a number of significant achievements in his 40 years in the industry. He was the man behind The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, the number one Single Malt innovation globally in the past five years (IWSR, 2016), and more recently crafted The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve, a new Single Malt whisky selectively finished in high-quality cognac casks.


His other significant accomplishments include:
Releasing The Glenlivet’s first series of 50 Year Old whiskies, which was named in his honour (The Winchester Collection)
Creating The Glenlivet Smugglers Trails in 2007 in conjunction with the Crown Estate
Becoming a Master of the Quaich in 1997 and acting as President of the Malt Distillers Association in 2008 for three years
Serving as Chairman of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in Scotland, and subsequently receiving his Fellowship

Alan does not leave his passion for his job at work. During his travels, he enjoys visiting wineries and distilleries to continue to learn more about distillation and fermentation techniques. In addition, every year at the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Alan can be found leading walks along the highland trails, sharing his personal insight and historical perspective to the many eager walkers and whisky lovers visiting Scotland.

Now in its 23rd year, the ISC is one of the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. Founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the work and commitment of an individual who has made a significant impact on the drinks industry during their career.

Alan has been nominated, judged, by his peers. It is an enormous compliment to Mr Winchester for services rendered to the Scotch whisky industry down the years. He is not only a consummate professional, but a highly approachable, likeable guy who is able to convey the mysteries and complexities of the creation of Scotch whisky, in remarkably easy to understand terms.

– Editor of Drinks International, and a judge for the ISC

It’s hard to find someone who brings quite as much enthusiasm and dedication to their job as Alan and we’re thrilled that his hard work has been recognised. The ISC is one of the most prestigious awards bodies in the industry, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in particular celebrates true excellence.

It’s an exciting time for Scotch and we are lucky to have Alan as The Master Distiller of The Glenlivet.
– Miriam Eceolaza: Global Brand Director at The Glenlivet

I am honoured and touched to have received this award. I started my career at The Glenlivet in 1979, and over those years have witnessed a fair few changes. But the one thing that has remained the same is the dedication to excellence and the commitment to maintaining the exceptional quality for which The Glenlivet has become known.

This passion and dedication is shared by the entire team at the distillery and I’d like to thank them for their support over the years. I couldn’t have done it without them.
– Alan Winchester: Master Distiller at The Glenlivet

Glenlivet is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: Alan Winchester, Glenlivet, News, The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Launches A Cognac Cask Finish Expression – Captain’s Reserve!

May 9, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Captain’s Reserve, a Single Malt selectively finished in high-quality Cognac casks!

The Glenlivet is set to re-assert its credentials as the definitive Single Malt Scotch whisky with the release of a contemporary new expression; Captain’s Reserve, a Single Malt selectively finished in high-quality Cognac casks. The launch is set to push the boundaries of modern Scotch through its distinctive cask combination.

Captain’s Reserve is the result of flavour and cask experimentation

Captain’s Reserve is the result of flavour and cask experimentation. This combination of the raisin-rich intense taste of Cognac with the signature citrus notes and creamy smoothness of The Glenlivet offers consumers the opportunity to broaden their Single Malt Scotch repertoire.

The new flavour and taste experience also encourages new consumers to explore the thriving Single Malt Scotch category, which is one of the fastest growing spirits categories globally, and is expected to continue its growth at +6%.

This new expression, which will sit as part of The Glenlivet range, is a tribute to Captain William Smith Grant, great-grandson of George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet.

The Captain not only fought in the First World War in France, but later went on to fight for The Glenlivet, guiding the brand through the difficult Prohibition years and leading the Single Malt Scotch whisky revival in the UK and US.

This unique story is brought to life through Captain’s Reserve by uniting the definitive Speyside Single Malt and the opulent rich flavours of Cognac.

We know that Single Malt consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous and are seeking to explore new flavour profiles and finishes in the category. Research shows that the global consumption of Cognac is expected to increase by some 2 million cases by 2021. By introducing the Cognac casks into our maturation process, we are able to capitalise on the popularity of this flavour and add another dimension to our world-renowned portfolio.

The Cognac casks’ influence will bring a real richness to the smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet, which we’re confident new and existing Single Malt Scotch enthusiasts will enjoy.
– Alan Winchester: The Glenlivet Master Distiller

Captain’s Reserve is available globally, with an RRP ranging from £45-48.

The Glenlivet Captain Reserve Tasting notes:

NOSE: Bursting with sweet and fruity aromas. Rich in honey and apricot jam, with notes of sweet cinnamon bread and a subtle sensation of spicy liquorice.

TASTE: Succulent flavours of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins.

FINISH: Incredibly smooth and luscious.

Glenlivet is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: News, Speyside, The Glenlivet

Tasting The Glenlivet Code & Cracking The Ultimate Whisky Mystery!

March 23, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet challenges consumers to crack the ultimate whisky mystery

The Glenlivet launches their latest limited edition ‘The Code’ to push the boundaries of flavour exploration & challenges consumers to crack the ultimate whisky mystery!

I was lucky enough to be invited to #TheGlenlivetCode Hackathon on Wednesday (at The Black Bar in London) to sample Glenlivet’s latest Limited Edition offering – The Code.

It was also a great pleasure to meet and chat to the great Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller. Not that he gave away too much about the tasting notes for their latest dram!

The Glenlivet Code is a mysterious Single Malt Scotch whisky which is being released without cask information or tasting notes to take whisky connoisseurs on a journey of discovery whilst also putting their Single Malt knowledge to the test. Inspired by the iconic British Code breakers, the limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker.

Maintaining the exceptional quality that The Glenlivet is famed for, The Glenlivet Code presents the brand’s smooth and fruity house style with some additional twists for a moment of definitive pleasure. Its release is supported by an interactive digital experience, inspired by the famous British codebreakers and aims to test consumers’ knowledge and understanding of Single Malt whisky.

The Glenlivet Code digital experience invites whisky connoisseurs to scan a code on the back of their bottle carton using the Shazam app to enter a virtual underground room. Here, they will be greeted by a hologram of The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, who will challenge them to decode the taste of the liquid by selecting four aromas for the nose and four flavours for the palate from thousands of possible combinations.

After decoding the flavours of the new whisky, participants will be given a score which they can post on social media to see how they rank against their peers. The official tasting notes won’t be revealed until the end of the year to give Single Malt enthusiasts the time to discover and enjoy the liquid themselves.

With The Glenlivet Code, we had a unique opportunity to create a whisky that has never been crafted before, using new casks and techniques to push the boundaries of what people expect from The Glenlivet.

This year’s limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker and we’re excited to invite consumers worldwide to take on the ultimate challenge by unlocking its mystery taste. The interactive experience will allow whisky enthusiasts at all levels to build their knowledge of the category while also developing a deeper understanding of The Glenlivet.
– Alan Winchester: The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller

The Glenlivet Code will launch globally from March 2018 across 28 markets with an RRP of $120 USD (probably around £100). Consumers can log onto www.theglenlivet.com to find out more about the digital experience and share their thoughts on social media using #TheGlenlivetCode.

Tasting The Glenlivet Code at The Black Bar, London

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Code (48%)

We were split into three teams of three and had to answer eight questions. The first team to get them correct had the honour of unveiling the Dram and getting to work nosing and sampling!

Our team, unfortunately, did not grab that honour but we did get through the ridiculously (!) hard questions to get our hands on our copy of ‘The Code’ and get sampling.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …


Colour: Who knows?! The bottle is a deep black, the tasting glass is a deep black! (Actually, it’s a warm, sherried colour.)

Nose: Toffee, lovely red apple, vanilla with a hint of smoke.

Palate: Tasty cherry and pineapple, plump raisin and mild liquorice.

Finish: Medium finish which is long and sweet with no hint of bitterness.

Overall: A very enjoyable dram but then I’m a big fan of The Glenlivet anyway.

Trying out the Tasting Wheel was a lot of fun and I guess if you’re really competitive you can keep trying again and again until you get your perfect score!

My tasting results: Could be worse!

Many thanks to all involved for the invite and for a fantastic evening and of course, the team at www.theglenlivet.com for the sample and without whom!

Glenlivet is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: Glenlivet, Glenlivet Code, News, Sampling, The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Blanch + Shock experiential experience at Spirit of Speyside!

May 9, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Blanch and Shock Stand at The Glenlivet, Spirit of Speyside

Some snaps from The Glenlivet experiential whisky tasting at Spirit of Speyside last week.

Blanch and Shock (Mike Knowlden (left) and Josh Pollen (right)

Throughout the day, food designers Blanch + Shock ran a series of food tasting experiences. Engineered to play to all the senses, the duo paired The Glenlivet’s finest whiskies with unexpected ingredients and tinctures.

The Glenlivet 18 year old was sampled with hay and sweet clover-cured trout

Each pairing was designed to deconstruct the flavour profile of The Glenlivet’s expressions, which caused guests to look again at the overall taste of the whisky.

Guests sampling shaved ice made of ingredients foraged from the local environment

For almost 200 years The Glenlivet has been taking inspiration from the natural surroundings of the distillery, the landscape of Speyside, and the distillation and maturation processes, which were all on display at The Glenlivet, Blanch + Shock experiential experience.

Guests at The Glenlivet sampling Nadurra Oloroso with a truffle and coconut

Edible perfume accompanied The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso

Filed Under: Glenlivet, News, The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966!

October 4, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Winchester Collection

The Glenlivet Winchester Collection

From October 2016, The Glenlivet is releasing the second edition in its series of 50 year old single malt Scotch whiskies: The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966. Crafted over generations, for generations to come, only 100 bottles of this liquid history, matured in an exceptional high quality sherry cask, will be released priced at $25,000 each.

Created by The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Robert Arthur, in 1966, and subsequently cared for by the Master Distillers of The Glenlivet, it is released today under the guardianship of Alan Winchester. Vintage 1966 joins Vintage 1964 to become one of the rarest, exquisite and most sought after whisky collections in the world. Whilst this precious whisky has been resting in its cask the world has changed around it. Mankind took its first steps on the moon, the Berlin wall came down, and the world was introduced to the invention of the personal computer and mobile phone.

Vintage 1966 was identified early on as being a cask of outstanding quality and has since been slowly and steadily developing the signature flavours that make The Glenlivet an enduring benchmark of quality. The trademark soft and sweet complexity is layered by a delicate cinnamon and liquorice spice, followed by an exceptionally long, smooth finish, with a hint of dryness.

Alan Winchester’s own bottle will be auctioned at Christie’s on 21st October, alongside the unique opportunity to lay down Vintage 2016. Proceeds from the auction will go to the British Crafts Council to help champion craft for future generations.

This commitment to craft runs through The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966 experience: The Glenlivet commissioned Brodie Nairn of acclaimed studio Glasstorm, to produce a hand blown glass bottle around the concept of water, paying homage to The Glenlivet’s Gaelic translation of ‘Valley of the Smooth Flowing One’, with elegant lines lending gentle movement to the sculpted glass. Designer silversmith Richard Fox crafted the gold stopper set with a smoky quartz Cairngorm Stone – specially selected to echo the richly dark liquid of Vintage 1966 – while esteemed wood craftsman, John Galvin, made the beautiful cherry wood cabinet that houses the whisky.

The release of Vintage 1966 marks another milestone for The Glenlivet Winchester Collection. Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days, that the resulting single malt is literally liquid history in a glass. I’m immensely proud to release this wonderful whisky, which has been cared for and crafted over generations.

I’m also proud to be auctioning my own personal bottle and a bottle of future Vintage 2016 to be enjoyed in 50 years’ time. This will mark yet another moment of history in the making and I’m so pleased that the proceeds of the auction will go towards investing in the future success of talented and innovative British craftspeople.
– Alan Winchester: The Glenlivet Master Distiller

The release of the second chapter of The Winchester Collection sets yet another new benchmark in single malt. Each chapter: Vintage 1964, Vintage 1966 and, in 50 years’ time, Vintage 2016 is steeped in dedication, passion and excellence. Taking inspiration from this, we have chosen to partner with the British Crafts Council to truly support the next generation of crafts people.
– Miriam Eceolaza: Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet

The Master Distiller’s bottle from The Glenlivet Winchester Collection, alongside Vintage 2016, will be auctioned out of Christie’s New York, on the 21st October, with a total of just 100 bottles to be made available for purchase worldwide.

To find out more information about The Glenlivet Winchester Collection and to join The Guardians of The Glenlivet, visit www.theglenlivet.com/guardians.

Filed Under: Glenlivet, News, The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Cipher Twitter Tasting!

June 23, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Cipher Line-Up!

The Glenlivet Cipher Line-Up!

Monday evenings Tweet Tasting was all puzzles and enigma this week with three Glenlivets to sample plus their mysterious Glenlivet Cipher.

The Cipher was outlined here just recently, so everyone attending the tasting, which was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, was very eager to have the opportunity to sample something a little bit special.

The malts sampled were:-

  • The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
  • The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
  • The Glenlivet 15 Year Old
  • The Glenlivet Cipher

If you want to catch up on what all the tasters had to say you can view the tweets by searching for the hash tag #TheGlenlivetCipher on Twitter.

You may also want to try out the tasting wheel specially created for the release of the Cipher and see how close you can get to cracking the secret flavours used in the dram.

I got a Very Low 38% but “Hey Ho!” – that’s what my tastebuds said on the night and you can’t argue with a tastebud!

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve (40%)

A NAS (No Age Statement) single malt whisky. Created to honour the original vision of their pioneering founder George Smith, The Glenlivet Founders Reserve pays tribute to the uniquely smooth and fruity taste he first envisioned way back in 1824.

Distilled using the same time-honoured techniques introduced by George Smith himself, The Glenlivet Founders Reserve is drawn predominantly from a range of traditional aged oak casks.


Nose: Sweet and citrusy with a hint of mintness. Signature vanilla, pears and red apples! Also detect a Slight woodiness in there as well.

Palate: Light mouthfeel, delicate – fruits and a little vanilla.

Finish: Pepper and spice with a creamy finish – zingy on those tastebuds – moderately long.

Overall: An impeccably smooth, light dram that’s not too heavy on the palate.

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet 12 Year Old (40%)

The Glenlivet’s signature style. Matured primarily in ex-American oak casks and using mineral-rich water from Josie’s Well, which helps to form its flavours during mashing & fermentation.


Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla underlying fresh fruits – there’s that woodiness again which I like coupled with crisp apple aromas – Crunch!

Palate: Very light, intensely sweet, fruity flavours. Quite oaky.

Finish: Pleasantly spicy, peppery finish – not as hot as the Founder’s Reserve.

Overall: Not as sweet at the nose makes you believe but a very nicely balanced malt. Perfect to start the evening off with!

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet 15 Year Old (40%)

A proportion of the spirit is matured in a selection of French Oak casks for a limited period and was one of the first distilleries to use French oak for maturing whisky. The casks, from the Dordogne region, are usually used to mature cognacs.


Nose: Syrupy fruit with added vanilla & some rich woody notes thrown in. Rich apple & tropical fruits – I love this!

Palate: A bit ‘meatier’ than the 12 Year Old. Spice hits you early on but the vanilla caramel is divine!

Finish: The spice stays through to the finish but it’s not overpowering. Quite a short finish.

Overall: Smooth as silk and perfectly balanced. One of my favourite malts!

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Cipher (48%)

Presented in an opaque, black bottle without any cask information, The Glenlivet Cipher is a Scotch whisky shrouded in mystery that helps whisky lovers to push the boundaries of flavour exploration. Crafted from a unique cask combination that has never before been used by The Glenlivet.


Nose: There’s punchy vanilla and red apples. Got a hint of Strawberry jam with honey and apricots.

Palate: Thick, sweet honey with hints of tropical fruit. Spicy, ginger chocolate goodiness!

Finish: Hot, spicy finish that’s long and quite fiery.

Overall: A game of two halves for me – sweet and caramel followed by a hot, chilli bite – Interesting!

My Favourite On The Night?

The Glenlivet Cipher – although I do love the 15 I had to pick this for the uniqueness of the experience – it’s not everyday you get to sample an enigma!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire) for a great dram evening and the team at Richmond Towers (@DrinksPRAgency) for sending the samples!

And of course, The Glenlivet (@TheGlenlivet), without whom. Studying has never been so much fun!!

My fellow Tweeters were:-


@TheWhiskyBoys @MasterOfMaltJM @dvdbloke @TomsWhisky @WhiskyCorner @ben_cops @LRWhisky @WhiskyDiscovery @whiskyrepublic @julie_gwc @AWhetForWhisky @steveprentice @WhiskySpeller @galg @Girl_Whisky @LaCaveDeCobalt @WordsofWhisky

The Glenlivet is available to buy from Selfridges (£110)

Filed Under: Glenlivet, Sampling, The Glenlivet, Twitter Tasting, Whisky tasting

Test Your Nose & Palate Against The Enigmatic The Glenlivet Cipher!

June 3, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Cipher

The Glenlivet Cipher

Shrouded in mystery, the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher Single Malt Scotch Whisky
is set to pique curiosity, tantalise taste buds and spark competitive fervour!

Food and drink connoisseurs around the world are being challenged by The Glenlivet to embark on a flavour journey to decode the secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher.

The Glenlivet Cipher is available from June 2016 in 25 countries

The Glenlivet Cipher is available from June 2016 in 25 countries

Presented in an opaque, black bottle without any cask information, The Glenlivet Cipher is a Scotch whisky shrouded in mystery that helps whisky lovers to push the boundaries of flavour exploration. Crafted from a unique cask combination that has never before been used by The Glenlivet, Cipher will offer a new flavour experience to explore whilst staying true to the flawlessly smooth and fruity flavour that has made the distillery famous.

Those that accept the challenge will begin their journey on the label by searching for one of the official flavours hidden within a cryptic code, before being directed to cipher.theglenlivet.com to face the ultimate flavour test.

On cipher.theglenlivet.com, The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, unveils The Glenlivet Cipher flavour experience where hopefuls will challenge their distinguished nose and palate to decode the hidden flavours in this unique whisky.

Visitors who complete the exploration receive a cipher of their personal flavour notes, and a score that reveals how close they came to unlocking the official tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher, which can be shared on social media using #TheGlenlivetCipher and @TheGlenlivet. Do you have the makings of a master distiller? Can you decode its secrets? These are all the questions that can only be answered by The Glenlivet Cipher.

Through the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher, I am laying down the ultimate test for discerning foodies and drinkers around the world looking to prove their tasting credentials. I am pleased to invite people to join us on a journey of flavour discovery and I will be checking social media and the hashtag #TheGlenlivetCipher throughout the campaign to see who manages to crack the code and unlock the tasting notes of this new enigmatic single malt.

The Glenlivet Cipher is unique in that it is crafted from a combination of casks never used before at the distillery, so we are excited to explore new flavour territories that build upon the flawlessly smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet. The official tasting notes will be revealed in the coming months, so get tasting, share your comments online and stayed tuned to The Glenlivet.
– Alan Winchester: The Glenlivet Master Distiller

The Glenlivet Cipher is available from June 2016 in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Canada, at the recommended selling price of $120. Members of The Glenlivet Guardians will be first to discover the official secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher when they are unveiled by The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, later in the year.

Filed Under: Glenlivet, News, The Glenlivet

Sampling The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish!

October 30, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish

I’ve just had a great opportunity to sample three of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Expressions including their latest release: the Peated Whisky Cask Finish.

The malts sampled were:-

  • The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish: Cask Strength
  • The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection
  • The Glenlivet Nàdurra Olorosso Matured

The Glenlivet has launched a third expression for its celebrated Nàdurra range, as it continues to honour the historic traditions of making single malt whisky through new and innovative cask finishes. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is the first release to have a subtle, smoky taste profile, having been finished in American oak casks that have previously held heavily-peated Scotch whisky.

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is inspired by the authentic production processes used at The Glenlivet Distillery by its founder, George Smith, who originally used peat smoke to dry the malted barley. Finished in peated casks, the classic, smooth and fruity house style that has made the range so famous has been enriched with gentle, aromatic smoky notes, to offer a brand new The Glenlivet experience to whisky enthusiasts. The expression will also be available in Global Travel Retail at 48% ABV.

Available in nine domestic markets, including USA and France, and Global Travel Retail from October 2015, the release follows the launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso and The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection in 2014. The Glenlivet craftsmen individually nosed each cask to ensure the perfect balance between fruit and smoke in the whisky, which has been bottled in small batches with no chill-filtration to offer the complexity, full body and distinctively creamy texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask.

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish: Cask Strength (61.5%)


Nose: Pale straw colour. Thick vanilla with smatterings of pears and apples. Later there comes a peaty undertow, some burnt wood and a little smoke.

Palate: The peat is quite subtle and a ways down. There’s vanilla, caramel and some zesty fruit all wrapped up in a cask strength punch!

Finish: A Spicy finish that’s long with the vanilla sweetness running through it. The peat is pretty subtle and the smokiness comes in right at the end that’s joined by some tobacco.

Overall: If you like your peat .. sweet, then this ones for you! I was warming to this one at the end and as ever, if you’re sampling a few drams always leave the peated ones till the last!

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection (63.1%)

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill

The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection is drawn from casks made from American White Oak that have never before been used to mature Scotch whisky.

These casks have always been a popular choice of distillers at The Glenlivet since the early 1900s, imparting hints of creamy vanilla to the malt whisky.

The release follows the initial launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso.


Nose: Pale straw colour. Sweet pears, tropical fruits all covered in a vanilla haze – delightful!

Palate: Autumn apples, juicy pears and pineapple juice. There’s some banana in there as well, almost like banana milk.

Finish: Smooth finish, slightly dry with grapefruit overtones but no spice of any real note. Just fruity sweetness.

Overall: All the signature Glenlivet notes are there all wrapped up in a robust 63% package. A nice dram.

Tasting Notes – The Glenlivet Nàdurra Olorosso Matured (60.3%)

This release follows the initial launch of the normal strength The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso earlier in 2014. It is matured solely in ex-sherry casks.


Nose: Gorgeous gold colour. Nose of fruit, hints of cinnamon and toffee caramel.

Palate: Pleasantly thick mouthfeel. Smooth, fruity and sweet with a hint of that 60% power. Lovely, creamy toffee caramel with a slight peppery edge to it.

Finish: Sweet finish that makes way to a long warming spice hit that goes on and on!

Overall: A sweet sherried dram nicely mixing spices and fruit sweetness. A great cask strength addition to The Glenlivet range!

So, which one is my Favourite?

Difficult one this but out of the three I’m going to go for The Glenlivet Nàdurra Olorosso Matured. Sweet, rich, vanilla fruitiness combined with a high alcohol punch. It’s a hard one to beat!

Many thanks to the team at Richmond Towers (@DrinksPRAgency) for sending the samples and of course, The Glenlivet (@TheGlenlivet), without whom!

The Glenlivet Nàdurra is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Whisky Online
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop

Filed Under: Glenlivet, Nadurra, Sampling, The Glenlivet, The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso

The Glenlivet Releases The Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish!

October 1, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish

The Glenlivet has launched a third expression for its celebrated Nàdurra range, as it continues to honour the historic traditions of making single malt whisky through new and innovative cask finishes. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is the first release to have a subtle, smoky taste profile, having been finished in American oak casks that have previously held heavily-peated Scotch whisky.

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is inspired by the authentic production processes used at The Glenlivet Distillery by its founder, George Smith, who originally used peat smoke to dry the malted barley. Finished in peated casks, the classic, smooth and fruity house style that has made the range so famous has been enriched with gentle, aromatic smoky notes, to offer a brand new The Glenlivet experience to whisky enthusiasts. The expression will also be available in Global Travel Retail at 48% ABV.

Available in nine domestic markets, including USA and France, and Global Travel Retail from October 2015, the release follows the launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso and The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection in 2014. The Glenlivet craftsmen individually nosed each cask to ensure the perfect balance between fruit and smoke in the whisky, which has been bottled in small batches with no chill-filtration to offer the complexity, full body and distinctively creamy texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask.

I’m delighted to present the purest expression of The Glenlivet, which pays homage to the distillery’s legendary past. Nàdurra captures the original passion behind George Smith’s distillery, which inspires us to create new flavour journeys for consumers so his spirit remains alive today. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish demonstrates this beautifully, with its warming mouthfeel, swirls of vanilla cream and subtle traces of tangy smoke, and I hope that whisky enthusiasts now and in the future enjoy this rare taste that echoes of the past.
– Alan Winchester: Master Distiller at The Glenlivet

Interest among whisky fans for new, original and well-made single malt Scotch has continued to grow in recent years, and we at The Glenlivet are proud to have set the benchmark for quality and innovation. The Glenlivet Nàdurra range has enjoyed a cult following due to its rich craftsmanship story and commitment to traditional 19th Century production methods, and with releases such as The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish we hope to inspire more and more increasingly discerning drinkers to learn about the craftsmanship, provenance and heritage of ‘the single malt that’s started it all’.
– Nikki Burgess: Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is presented in packaging which emphasises the artisanal nature of the range. The design includes a prominent batch number, cask-like stamps and a more visible translation of the Gaelic word, Nàdurra – meaning natural – to illustrate the essence of the brand.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish Cask Strength (61.5% ABV) tasting notes:

Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A burst of soft red apples, citrus zest and aromatic smoke
Palate: Rich tangy marmalade, creamy vanilla toffee and a distinct toasted smokiness
Finish: Complex, lengthy and spicy, with layers of subtle smoke

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish (48% ABV) tasting notes:

Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A perfect balance of fresh, ripe orchard fruit, sweet vanilla cream and delicate wood smoke
Palate: Notes of rich honey and subtle vanilla, with a sweet, tangy smokiness
Finish: Long and developed, with vibrant notes of fresh fruit and spicy smoke

Filed Under: Glenlivet, News, The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Extends Their Master Distiller’s Reserve Range!

May 29, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve Range

The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve Range

The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, is proud to present the Masters Distiller’s Reserve range, a signature collection of three exceptional triple-cask matured single malt whiskies.
Available exclusively to international travellers from 1st July 2015, the collection elegantly showcases the unrivalled quality and character that has become part of the signature of The Glenlivet’s classic style – ‘the single malt that started it all’.

Already an existing globally successful whisky, Master Distiller’s Reserve, is the cornerstone of the range and it is joined in 2015 by two luxurious new expressions: Master Distiller’s Reserve Solera Vatted and The Master Distiller’s Reserve Small Batch to become the new permanent range.

Exploring a special journey into craft and cask, the Master Distiller’s Reserve range brings exceptional cask quality and a unique breadth and depth of flavour to the fore. Expert selection of the highest quality Traditional Oak, American Oak and Ex-Sherry Oak casks offers each expression ‘three times’ the character, for a discernibly rich and “three dimensional” quality.

Master Distiller’s Reserve – Traditional oak casks deliver the classic style of The Glenlivet of ripe fruit pear and gentle summer floral notes – while first fill American Oak provides depth, with creamy notes of coconut and soft fudge. Ex-Sherry oak is used to impart dried fruit flavours and spice aromas offering a deeper complexity and richness.

New Master Distiller’s Reserve Solera Vatted – To craft this exceptional liquid, the casks – Ex-Sherry, American Oak and Traditional Oak – are brought together in a Solera Vat. The Vat is never emptied, a process which creates a rich and intense whisky, developing greater complexity year on year. A high concentration of first fill American oak casks bring a creaminess and honeyed sweetness to this expression, which has a uniquely velvety character.

New Master Distiller’s Reserve Small Batch – Each unique batch of this exclusive expression, is created with individually selected casks, chosen from the collection of whiskies maturing in The Glenlivet warehouses. Every single cask is nosed prior to the final selection and the finest first fill ex-Sherry and American Oak casks are combined with Traditional Oak casks to create an exceptional malt, with subtle notes of fruit and delicate spiciness. It is then bottled and released in Small Batches, each with a unique batch number.

The Master Distiller’s Reserve range is a collection of exceptional single malt whiskies that marries thecraft of the cask and the craft of flavour whilst maintaining the distinct floral characteristics of ‘the single malt that started it all’.
A range of this nature can only be created with exceptional quality casks, industry leading expertise and a forward looking mind set; it is an honour that every bottle bears my name.
– Alan Winchester: The Glenlivet Master Distiller

Each expression retains the distinctive shape of The Glenlivet bottle and is presented in clear glass to reveal the alluring gold colouring, used to reinforce the quality credentials of the liquid. The new signifier for The Glenlivet, the iconic Packhorse Bridge which crosses the River Livet, features on the bottle ‘cartouche’ as a symbol of authenticity and heritage.

Furthering the premium mark through to the packaging, the range is presented in a luxury carton containing tasting notes and is completed with a bold symbol to signify the three types of wood and the multi-layered characters of the whisky.

Each path of The Master Distiller’s Reserve range bears the signature of Alan Winchester, the guarantor of The Glenlivet, carrying forward George Smith’s original vision with a personal invitation to embark on three exclusive journeys, now and into the future.

Master Distiller’s Reserve has proven to be a huge success at Global Travel Retail.
It has been a natural next step for us to extend this into a permanent travel retail exclusive range to further our credentials in the super premium whisky category.
International travellers are a specific group with a thirst for innovation and exclusivity and The Glenlivet is in prime position to deliver this.
– Nikki Burgess: The Glenlivet Brand Director

These two new additions to The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve range continue the great work begun by Alan Winchester with the original Master Distiller’s Reserve expression, which itself expanded upon and enhanced aspects of the unique The Glenlivet house style, through the use of three different cask types during maturation.

The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve Small Batch Reserve is extremely quaffable, with a complex, characterful and engaging flavour profile, while the quintessential fruity characteristics of The Glenlivet are spiced up and given additional depth and dimensions in the Master Distiller’s Reserve Solera Vatted.
– Gavin D Smith: International whisky expert

Master Distiller’s Reserve Range Tasting Notes

The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve
Colour: Bright and lively gold
Nose: Full and bursting with ripe, fruity pear and soft
fudge aromas. Incredibly sweet and smooth
Palate: Fruity pear flavours with a spicy orange marmalade tang
Finish: Creamy and smooth with marzipan and fresh hazelnuts

The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve Solera Vatted
Colour: Gentle Amber
Nose: Bursting with ripe, orchard fruit aromas, and gentle notes of creamy, soft caramel
Palate: A luxurious, velvety character, with a honeyed sweetness and flavours of juicy pears
Finish: Balanced and complex

The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve Small Batch
Colour: Amber, with hints of copper
Nose: Subtle fruit notes of peaches in syrup, with a hint of ginger spiciness
Palate: Perfectly balanced, with warm, fruity, orange marmalade flavours, and subtle notes of vanilla and liquorice
Finish: Long, with hints of spiciness

Filed Under: News, The Glenlivet

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