Become a Glenlivet Whisky Connoisseur
Perfected in isolation, protected from the eyes of the authorities, The Glenlivet was first introduced to the world during the 1820s, and is now the best-selling single malt whisky worldwide.
Accompanied by a history as rich as the renowned Scotch, these facts will help you gain a deeper understanding of how Glenlivet whisky was first created. Learn how an illicitly manufactured whisky impressed King George IV and how a nearly 200-year old, unchanged recipe produces the wonderful Glenlivet taste.
History
Birthed through a relentless pursuit of excellence, and an indomitable spirit, The Glenlivet brand embodies the qualities of its founder, George Smith. During a time when illicit liquor production was rampant, it was George Smith who cultivated the desire to produce distill a spirit that would become so famous, it would even tempt the King to try a drop of the illegal Scotch whisky.
After obtaining a license to legally manufacture Glenlivet whisky, George Smith kick-started a journey that would remain faithful to tradition, preserving the Glenlivet taste, making it one of the most popular and the best-selling single malt whiskys throughout the world today.
Glenlivet Making Process
Like all single malt whiskys, The Glenlivet is made using malted barley at a single distillery and the brand holds no secrets about the way their whisky is produced, instead, taking pride in the process that sets it apart.
Scottish barley is soaked in water until it begins to germinate, a process which lasts several days whereupon it is heated and dried, concluding the first step of crafting the Glenlivet whisky.
Step two involves milling the dried barley grains to separate the husks and the starch, producing a flour like substance also referred to as grist.
The exceptionally consistent Glenlivet tasting notes are obtained through conscious measures of using spring water from just one source since the inception of the brand. The ‘grist’, is mashed together with the spring water, slowly stirring this mixture within a mash tun after which the process of fermentation begins.
Transferred into large vessels made of Oregon Pine that are unlike any other distillery, the fermentation is carried out over a period of two days during which the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol and the Glenlivet whisky develops its taste.
The next step is called Distillation this process is carried out in unique copper pots shaped like lanterns where it is prepared to undergo it’s final stage of maturation after being distilled and ‘cut’ into three parts, the head, the heart and the tail.
Aged over different periods of time in custom made European and American oak barrels, the Glenlivet whisky develops its aged scotch whiskys that range from 12 years, to 25 years and sometimes even more.
The Many Glenlivets
The Glenlivet brand offers a variety of aged scotch whiskys, some brewed on a large scale and many other special editions. Here are the different Glenlivet years available for the pleasure of every connoisseur out there with their respective tasting notes.
Color: Bright, Vibrant Gold
Nose: Fruity and summery
Palate: Well balanced and fruity with pineapple notes
Finish: Long, Creamy, Smooth
Color: Deep, Intense Gold
Nose: Creamy, Rich, and Buttery
Palate: Fruit and Nut
Finish: Lingering, Sweet almond spice
Color: Old Gold, Apricot
Nose: Rich Fruit, Toffee
Palate: Balanced, Bursts of Sweet Orange
Finish: Long, With Raisins and Spice
Color: Amber, Coppery Shades
Nose: Dried Fruit, Sherry
Palate: Cinnamon, Gingery, Syrupy Mouthfeel
Finish: Lasting and Warm, Toasted Hazelnuts
Color: Rich Amber, Golden Shades
Nose: Dark Chocolate, Sultanas
Palate: Silky Sweet, Cinnamon Notes
Finish: Incredibly Long, Rich and Balanced
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Color: Pale Gold
Nose: Citrus Fruit, Sweet Orange
Palate: Zesty Orange, Pear, Toffee Apples
Finish: Long, Creamy, Smooth
The Master Distiller’s Reserve
Color: Rich Gold
Nose: Sweet and Fruity Aromas of Honey and Apricot jam, with notes of sweet cinnamon bread and subtle sensation of spicy licorice
Palate: Succulent flavors of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins
Finish: Incredibly Smooth and Luscious
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