Jose-Massu-Espinel
Glenlivet 18yo Pure Single Malt (1990s)
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
May 13, 2021 (edited May 14, 2021)
Back in the 90s, a 18yo single malt was something fancier than today. Having said that, this Glenlivet labeled as "Pure Single Malt" (a term that is now abolished) is one beautiful expression, super complex and really enjoyable.
Bottled at 43%abv, tawny.
On the nose, complexity. Caramelized apples, oranges, pears; everything with a dusty feeling. Chocolate, peaches, dates and apple pie. Hazelnut and cinnamon. After a first sip, it revealed sugar syrup, honey, more peaches and oranges. More sips gave orange leaves and cherries.
On the palate, this is one amazingly emjoyable dram. Very fruity, red fruits, peaches, salty, pepper. Oily and thick. Peaches are the most recognizable tasting note, along with yellow apples and sider. More sips gave me cocoa and salt.
Aftertaste is a salty surprise. Peaches, pepper, salt. After that, there is a pause that lasts 2 seconds to then release a ginger long finish. Aniseed.
Overall, this is a much better version of nowadays 18yo, which is also a great whisky. Its complexity helps to make this a memorable dram, one of my favorite Glenlivets from now on, my score for it is a solid 92/100. Slàinte!
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I feel like their 15y French oak offers some of the same fruity notes but lacks some of the complexity you mention here. Not at half the price for a noob like myself who prefers peated and sherried whisky more then the au natural.