Nose: Pears, green apples, light vanilla, lily-of-the-valley and honey. Yeasty malt and a whiff of oak cask. With water the fragrant floral character becomes rounder and more noticeable and some soft orange notes emerge. [The dry glass has a faintly flowery, malted cereal aroma]. Palate: A light, sweet and gently fruity arrival that quickly develops a little peppery oak tannin. Mild black breakfast tea, a nutty presence (hazelnut?) and an overall light dry character. The texture is somewhat thin. Adding water brings out sweet notes and tones down the dryness, but also mutes the entire palate - it's very easy to drown. Finish: Medium/short. Brisk and dry, with just a tinge of metallic bitterness and sour cask in the aftertaste. With water the finish is sweeter. I was at the cut-price liquor store today, saw this and realized that not only have I never reviewed Glenlivet 12, it must be literally a decade since I last tasted it. Then I noticed it was on special for half price, so ... For me the nose is the best feature, being sparkling fresh and fruity-floral in character. The palate is less interesting , and the texture is a bit watery. The finish picks up a little, but is marred by some intrusive tannin. Overall it gave me the impression of having a hole in the middle. There is an inexplicably blend-like quality to this whisky, particularly on the finish. It has the same lean texture and brittle, bitter/sour note of young grain whisky. A little water improves it, but this is actually an ideal malt for a classic scotch and soda on the rocks. Pour 1oz over an ice cube in an old fashioned glass and add a quick squirt (no more than 1 oz!) of club soda. Perfect. Often cited as a good "beginner's single malt", personally I'd rather give a newcomer something with a little more character. I've rated this the same as Glenfiddich 12 and Glenmorangie 10, but of the three it's probably my least favourite. "Above Average" : 80/100 (3 stars)