The Glenlivet is quite prolific with their expressions, and this one is a french oak reserve 15-year-old presented at the minimum legal limit of 40% ABV, chill-filtered, and with caramel coloring added. Boo... But is it good? The nose is a bit shy compared with its 18-year-old cousin, but is still is quite confident, with notes of wood, Madeira, butterscotch, cinnamon, and burnt sugar on the back. There is some sulfur too that distracts me. The palate is rich with vanilla and delicate oak, a touch of salt, and spice as it develops. This whisky was matured in french limousin oak casks that are often used to mature Cognac, and you can tell their influence on this dram. Finish is medium length, dry, with some caramel, butterscotch, and chocolate notes. Not bad. I’m hesitant to add much water as this is already at 40% ABV, so I add just a touch. Bad move, the dram becomes flat and uninteresting, would skip water next time. Overall, this is a decent dram, but nothing super special. It is well balanced and complex enough to be enjoyed, but it also lacks character you can find in its 18-year-old cousin. I bet higher ABV would have helped.