Glenlivet Single Cask Edition 18y Cask #43135
Reviewed by victor
I was a bit lukewarm about the similar 17 year old single cask yesterday, which I suspect has a magical watering level for unlocking its potential. I'm not discouraged though, and today I have an 18 year old single cask before me. Same idea - a straightforward ex-bourbon matured whisky.
0.7 (Amber)
Nose
Quiet, clean, malty. Not a lot of clues of the hefty strength unless you stick your nose uncomfortably deep into the glass. Whiffs of fruit.
Palate
Gingery spice, salt. Water brings out a little fresh fruit, but the heat is still dominant.
Finish
Now we're talking - spicy but round and balanced, huge chunk of fruit. Pineapple and peaches. Salty.
I was disappointed with the 17 year old because it never left the spicy-malty territory, but this cask seems to have less of those problems. While it starts off along those same lines, the palate and finish release a lot more flavor. It gets better along the way but still suffers a bit of the simple straightforwardness. Better than yesterday's dram, but nothing to chase too vigorously.
Score
78 / 100
0-50 Subpar
51-60 Drinkable
61-70 Decent
71-80 Good
81-90 Great
91-100 Fantastic
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