Today, I thought I’d share with you, my thoughts on @TheGlenlivet’s 15YO French Oak Reserve!
Thanks for the lovely wee bottle, Uncle George! 🥰
APPEARANCE: warm golden amber, with yellow hues.
NOSE: immediately this inviting bouquet has me intrigued. Rich aromas of buttery @Deans_Shortbread, demerara, salted caramel, Scottish fruit pudding, sultanas, vanilla, and Soreen Malt Loaf with a generous spreading of salted butter. Given time to open up, this dram puts me in mind of a warm sticky toffee pudding smothered with a generous helping of homemade custard. Luscious! 🤤
PALATE: initial warming spices are accompanied by that Szechuan peppercorn tingle, delightful. There is a distinct peppery note (white pepper, in particular), which I would associated with the influence from the French Oak casks used, during the maturation process. Dried fruits come to the fore, in tandem with toffee, lightly spiced Apple Crumble, malt, French Almond Cake, toasted hazelnuts and demerara. Dry spicy notes, pepper, malt and a touch of sweetness, make up the lingering finish. There is certainly no lack of complexity, here!
An exemplar of the Speyside region, this pleasant and comforting dram is the perfect way to warm up after a day of wandering in the woods with my camera and a few bottles of whisky, whilst #WhiskyViewHunting. 😉
Sláinte Mhath! 🥃
Maid of the Malt 