Glenlivet 12 Year Illicit Still

Nose: Honey, barely, grapefruit / lemon zest. Acidic white wine sort of vibe. Dense burnt fruit cake, caramel, gold raisin, Taste: Dense honeyed fruit cake with golden raisin, apple, light caramel and vanilla. There is sort of a bitter dusty oak note about halfway through, almost like the aftertaste of really bitter dark chocolate. Grapefruit zest is on the finish. Water smooths everything out and mellows out the bitter and barley notes. Amplifies the fruit and sweet flavors and brings out a creamy quality and tempers the sour notes into a more sweet orange flavor It's good but not really worth seeking out

I have always considered the standard Glenlivet 12 to be a very pleasant and consistent dram, but nothing to be considered exceptional or "mind-blowing." When I learned of this higher proof and non chill filtered version I was certainly intrigued. While not available in my area, I found a Calif shipper selling it for $3 less per bottle than the standard 12 yo available to me here. So, of course I ordered a few bottles. I was excited to make my first neck pour---then very disappointed. The fruity vanilla spice of the very easy drinking Glenlivet was there; but, it was wrapped in an off-putting bitterness. Ack!! Tried another pour, still the same result. I thought perhaps this is a dram that really is improved by having the fatty acids removed by chill filtering. I set the bottle aside. Two weeks later I gave it another try. Wow, what a difference! The classic flavors of Glenlivet were all there, but more intense as if on steroids. The bitterness was gone. What a lovely dram! This is one of those drams that needs to breathe. Be patient-----and enjoy.

Nose: Vanilla, Coconut Palate: Citrus, Nutty, Cinnamon Finish: Cinnamon, Sweet & Smooth

On the nose I get all vanilla and sugar. Almost like the vanilla tootsie roll. The palate is like powdered sugar and apple. Lasts a long time and stays sweet. Finish I get like a hazelnut. Very enjoyable

This is a truly excellent whisky. Non-chill filtered, higher ABV, unique character with a lingering taste. Get a bottle