The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

THIS I TRIED AND LIKED FOR ME WHISKY IS MY OCCASIONAL DRINK BUT LOOKS NICE IN THE GLASS AND NO HARSHNESS OR BITTERNESS YOU WANT A VERY NICE AND MELLOW TASTING DRINK TO WARM YOU AND WITH REF TO JAMES BOND NOT SHAKEN OR STIRRED ITS JUST VERY SMOOOOTH

28th January 2015

I love my Talisker 10, Laphroaig 18 and Macallan 18, and many others, but not all whisky needs to blow you over the moon. I was given a beautiful young Arab horse once and was concerned I didn't know enough to do him justice, so I asked a friend with a lot of training experience what I should do. He said "It's your horse; just ride him." It was great advice. My review: This is delightful and somewhat unique scotch for a fair price. It's your whisky, just drink it and enjoy what it is.

28th January 2015

Wonderful flavor greatest taste ever. Haven't had 18 year or anything about the 15 year yet but the 15 is just most excellent

28th January 2015

damn good. first glass however, more delicious than the second. by the time I got to the second I was so hammered I couldn't appreciate it. it was still great but the first taste wast the best. I had the first one neat and the second one, at the bartenders insistence. "opened up" with water. nope neat is better. smooth and absolutely sumptuous

27th January 2015

Too smooth. It's smooth and it's oak. And that's about it. If you don't like the dry bitter oak taste, don't buy this. I don't dislike it, it's just not that engaging. At 40% don't expect it to open up a lot with water either.
A nice starter whisky to me, not much else. Three stars nonetheless. It's still quality spirit at a reasonable price.

20th December 2014

A nice double shot and a good cigar is all that a real needs.

20th December 2014

This is my go-to scotch for the end of the day. It is also significantly better than its 12 year cousin - enough to make the price difference worth it for daily sipping.

19th December 2014

Every man worth his manhood should get a case today. I had a great you know what. ..

15th December 2014

This 15 years waters my fearce appetite for a very unique cask. I appreciate his sweetness with a hint of toffee and subtle peat. I found it very balanced and refreshing.

8th December 2014

I prefer this one over Glenlivet 18. Very smooth, rich taste. Tastes even better of left sit on a shelf for few weeks after opening ... if possible :)

24th November 2014

This surprised me. Not overpriced in my opinion, you're getting a playful little scotch for just shy of £40. Really love those oaken notes.

5th November 2014

An ordinary whisky that is slightly overpriced

2nd November 2014

Very surprised by richness a full bodied scotch that has many different notes of flavor.

18th October 2014

The 16 year is a very peaty scotch, not for beginners of scotch, but well adapt for those of us that enjoy a smoke flavor. This scotch feature everything written above, I enjoyed this bottle during the summer months because my 21st birthday was in August and USA drinking age is 21. Even in summer (I keep my AC high), this scotch was so delightful. Warmed me up before going to bed and gave pleasant dreams. It did remind me of apple crumb pie. Going from 12 year to this was a very different change but a positive one for me in specific. I would recommend other to get this in the Glenlivet tasting sample which includes a 12, 15, & 18 year 200ml each sample before buying the full 750ml bottle of the 15. I also enjoy very dark coffee with no cream and sugar and fell that my palette was more used to this pettiness than others liking.

Enjoy your dram,

Brandon Niblett (add me on Facebook, I would like more scotch loving friends)

16th October 2014

I've given many of the family a try / up to now the 15 French Oak Reserve is the "all around best" in the categories judged.....

Thank You

18th September 2014

I love every part of this whisky, especially the finish. Last year I learned to drink and understand the tasting of whisky. Even went on a whiskytrip to the Speyside and tried so many kinds. But this is the one for me.

23rd August 2014

I could take it or leave it, I found it to be very single noted, VERY smooth, just not what I would expect from a single malt.

11th July 2014

some tasting notes leave me a bit cold .. apple crumble .. really !? There is definitely the influence of oak (perhaps unsurprisingly) but i don't get that much spice either, not really, its slightly peppery on the palate, very smooth, great with some ice or not and (I think) quite different but equally recommendable with either. its very smooth and clean (very different from an oily peaty Laphroaig for example), its reasonably straight forwards but its defining characteristic, strangely enough, is that of Cognac. Id be surprised if Cognac drinkers didn't find this an affable dram, which should not really be any surprise either. I have to say that it feels slightly processed. 40% and not just simply a casks strength at 15 years with this provenance, doesn't quite add up for me, but what do i know. Its ok but i wouldn't rush out and pay this much again. a great scotch for those who dislike peat and love brandy (the two seem to go hand in hand in my experience).

12th May 2014

Love it. Smooth rich and buttery. Velvety mouthfeel. Very balanced. Finally exactly what I had in my mind imagined as the perfect example of a non-peated scotch.

6th May 2014

Without a doubt this is one of my favs.

29th April 2014

One of my favourites, an absolute cracker...

26th April 2014

Tasted it fresh after twisting the cap and it compares to every bargain bin "aged 3 year scotch" i have ever had. after snubbing my nose at it and pushing the glass FAR away i let it sit for about 4 hours before trying it again. Not bad at all. But when i drink scotch i expect a flavor of some sort that i can distinguish (especially a single malt)....and this has none. There are definitely better choices out there but it is worth a taste for someone who like to try them all. I do not recommend for beginners.

12th April 2014

SMOOTH SMOOTH SMOOTH!!!!! A couple cubes and you are set for a pleasurable sipping experience. enjoy with a light cedary cigar or by itself.

I'm sure the "oak cask" guy is messing around but his rating should be omitted. Consummers who are searching for their taste in Scotch read reviews and look at ratings. mostly so they don't spend money they don't have on something they won't like.

22nd February 2014

I am new to scotch I am 24 and only have been drinking it about a year. I have two favorites none the less aberlour abundah and glenlivet 15. they are both fantastic. I agree with everyone else in the face that I cannot believe someone actually thought it would show up in a French oak cask. that would be super badass but not going to happen most likely. I guess you never know

3rd February 2014

Yes indeed; I agree with the previous reviewers regarding the oak. I opened the box to find a bog standard glass bottle of whisky rather than any sort of oak receptacle. Not a hint of wood here of any kind. I have to say, the whole oak thing did rather taint my whiskey and whilst I was drinking it, my mind couldn't help but drift to the promised oak.

25th January 2014

Beautiful dram which introduced me to the mighty Glenlivet - if this is your first bottle of malt, you will not be sorry - Excellent

23rd January 2014

I just received a bottle of the 15 year French Oak expression for my 29th Birthday. How special a sip it is. Very elegant and perfect for any special moment to oneself.

6th January 2014

On the first night I tried this I wasn't as impressed, but with my second dram the next evening I let it sit for about 5 minutes and it noticeably improved. Only wish it were a stronger proof but besides that it is a good drink if you're not in the mood for the peated stuff.

21st December 2013

To those that have been "disappointed" because this didn't come in an oak barrel, the "container" is irrelevant, it is what is inside that matters and Glenlivet matters very much

20th December 2013

First this is an excellent dram. But wait....please pardon my sarcasm here. The guy expect this whisky in a French oak not glass bottle. My friend are you sure it's a scotch or maybe it's something else, either way get lost and buy yourself a cheap beer or rum. I love this guy! French Oak!!

28th November 2013

I picked up a bottle of this to celebrate my grandfather's passing. He wasn't a drinker, but if he was, I think he would have enjoyed this as it is just like him...smooth and classy.

25th November 2013

Started drinking whisky recently after my Scottish grandfather passed away - tried this as the Glenlivet 12yr old was always a favourite. I shan't be going back. The 15yr old is much smoother with far more depth and complexity on the palate. Will stick with this as an everyday tipple!

13th November 2013

Mhm ...

9th November 2013

I've never quite got on with the Smith's Glenlivet. It's always been a tad disappointing, but I suppose it is a good whisky which doesn't appeal to me. It doesn't have any outstanding features - the bouquet is ordinary and my palate can't find much to distinguish it. Perhaps it's just me. Whisky tasting, like anything else involving judgement can be very subjective. Even so, I'd give it 3 stars.

21st October 2013

This is a very complex whisky, a very good winter whisky, lots of spice and subtle sweet flavors of english candies, after dinner biscuits, and fruits. I don't know how the mongoloids got a hold a bottle, I know they're joking about it coming in a barrel or hating the color of the box... packaging is nothing to do with the quality of the whisky. I rely on reputation and reviews, I seldom walk in and grab something I've never heard of before. Keep the trolling on facebook kiddies, and the scotch drinking to real men.

19th October 2013

I like just about everything it has. No peat more mellow as anything I have ever had. Great !

15th October 2013

I have had the joyous privilege of having the 15-year-old, half French half Scott, young lady attend Thanksgivings, Christmases, and New Years parties. As the Brits would put it, “she is a social bird”. As a Veteran OIF and OEF she helped the sea stories of a sailor just seem a little funnier and cherish the company of the closes friends and family. She is a lady that should assist in the warmest celebrations. My birthday is on 9-24-83 and she has been cordately invited to attend.

18th September 2013

"As good as it gets......

.....without spending a fortune. Personally prefer Islay but this 15 yr old from the 16 men of Tain will do me until I die if needs be....a hefty 92 on my richter scale"

Having lived all my life 19 miles from the Glenmorangie distillery, where the 16 men of Tain reside, I was surprised to read the above review. My ancestors are from the Braes of Glenlivet where The Glenlivet 15yo is produced,and this is a long way from Tain, as long as you enjoy the dram I don`t suppose it matters if you have absolutely no clue as to where it comes from!!!ps the name gives a very strong hint of its origins.

16th September 2013

i am a fairly young 50.. i have been sneaking a wee dram since being a boy... i have tried many fine and rare whiskys over the years and must admit this is a gem and a steal at the price... i am sipping a glass and rolling the flavor around my mouth as i write... simply superb my advice it treat yourself today.. the fun part is their are still so many to try....

11th September 2013

Great whisky, shame people have tarnished its ratings over a french oak cask, which it is clearly not going to be bottled in.

7th September 2013

Not specifically a complex whisky but it offers a decent experience. Lackluster for a 15 y.o., miles better than the 12 y.o. glenlivet. Light and floral. A few drops of water go a long way here. For a good speyside dram Benromach 10 would be a better and cheaper alternative.

22nd August 2013

One of the best single malts I have ever tasted. Great on the palate, fruity and a beautiful finish.

20th August 2013

.....without spending a fortune. Personally prefer Islay but this 15 yr old from the 16 men of Tain will do me until I die if needs be....a hefty 92 on my richter scale

18th August 2013

lmao at the "didn't come in a french oak barrel." Oh crap - I'm out..

8th August 2013

The best Single Malt I have ever tasted! I liked it better than some 18 Y.O. Extremely Rare Highland Single Malt. Super! Shall recomend it.

3rd August 2013

A great, citrusy and oaky experience, great to get non scotch drinkers into single malts, i have a hard time noticing any complexity when everythings this sweet, but its truly a highly citrusy, almost syrupy experience with just enough oak to remind you its a fine whisky and not a juice.

19th April 2013

Took me a second tasting several days later to fully understand this malt - it's delicious. The finish slightly reminds me of Lillet Blanc, I assume it's from the French oak. Very good scotch if you're looking for something without peat, though I am a fan of peat.

13th April 2013

I enjoy a nice glass of Glenlivet 15 every so often. It's a good change-up from my preferred drink. I'd recommend this malt to any scotch drinker.

12th April 2013

One step further - I love how you described your experience with the single malt. Very descriptive. Made me go out and buy me a bottle at £31.

6th April 2013

I recently purchased a bottle of The Glenlivet 12. It came with two dram bottles; the 15 year old, and the 18 year old. I found that i preferred the 15 to the 18. It has a smoother finish in my opinion and the sweet buttery flavors of the wood come through for just a really pleasant overall experience. This is relaxation in a bottle.

10th March 2013

Tonight I as contemplating at my local store which aged spirit to partake in. I thought... "Single Malt or Single Barrel" I opted for for this one and at first took a deep breath and inhaled the sweetness of citrus, cinnamon and smoked oak. As I sipped the elixir, I could taste the notes of resins, nutmeg layered over a pure orange/tangerine coating my tongue with a smooth oil which was in reminiscent of almond oil. The finish lingered for a decent amount of time to hold me over between sips. I will point out that I found greater satisfaction by placing my whiskey stoned in boiling water, drying them and swirling them in the glass. A light fog coated the interior of the glass bringing forth a more intense nose and a complexity to the pallet greater than before. I recommend this to those who wish to have a decent experience at a decent price. I got it for $45 USD. It was going for $60 elsewhere, but even at $60 its worth every penny. I took half a star off because not only did it not come in a french oak barrel, but they didn't even seem to reserve one for me. The horror!

23rd February 2013

Great scotch but it did not come in French Oak as it sounds like it does from the description.

22nd January 2013

Beyond Excellent!

17th January 2013

Please expedite the French Oak Whiskey !! A lot of stress here in the states! I desperately need my old dependable friend!!

17th January 2013

Can the guy who found this at £17.34 a bottle please tell me where, am on ma way wi the wheel barra noo. Having sampled this numerous times I also agree it's hard not to continue once you open the bottle. A wee gem, in a big industry.

19th September 2012

I did love the smoothness of this one. Great for dessert.
PS. Thumbs down on the botteling, it did not come in an oak cask as stated :P (what the.. xD)
recommended!

6th August 2012

Exquisite! (Even if it didn't come in an oak cask ;-D) Fools should stick to the cheap booze and leave the good stuff for those who can appreciate it.

3rd July 2012

This is a winner! Some have compared this to JWB (Johnnie Walker Black),and I made the sad same mistake. Glenivet 15 French Resvere is far better,smoother in taste. This is very smooth to the palete,a bit of smokiness.A Scotch for a muture man.Enjoy my friend!

30th June 2012

One of the nicest malts I have ever tasted, so smooth, no ice or water required. Phenomenal....

1st May 2012

ottimo gusto morbido al palato non alcolico alla gola .
prezzo ancora buono. 34 euro in italia
altri whisky molto superiori a 5000 sterline non sono così gradevoli

3rd November 2011

Read all the reviews and decided to treat myself to a birthday present.
Went to my local store and found it at £17.34, yes £17.34!

Will be celebrating for 2 more birthdays! Keep yiur eyes peeled.

6th October 2011

I really enjoyed this,spicy,tobbaco taste.Once you open the bottle,it will be hard to stop. I give it a ten!

5th September 2011

had this a few months back and found it to be a great whiskey, it is spicier then the 12 and 18 but a really good rich flavour, this is one i'll keep in my collection and serve to impress, though it does come in a glass bottle and not in a barrel it is very nice indeed

12th March 2011

He made my day when i read be ware does not come in oak barrel it came in glass bottle! Love this guy!

1st March 2011

For years a bourbon drinker, recently appreciated single malt scotch (was put off by the belnded ones all this time). Excellent dram. It definately travells you to a world of relaxation after a long day.

6th February 2011

Warm, smooth oak, Fruity. A real treat, But Beware - sampling can easily lead to half the bottle great dessert Whisky.

Highly recomended for those who do not need peat smoke

5th January 2011

This is one for the special occasion. I have just been reunited with an old friend, what a treat to sit and sip a fine scotch and catch up on old times.
& of course had I not of had my old friend here with me to share in this rather special little number, my own company & a wee dram would also be rather satisfactory... HE! he!

21st December 2010

I would recommend you leave the fools comment but censor the star rating. I almost didnt buy it because of 1 star review.

Then I thought to myself, is it possible not to like a 15 Glenlivet?

Jonnie

18th November 2010

Warm, smooth oak, apple and cinnamon. A real treat, and a bargain! Be aware - same idiot left a similar comment re The Macallan Fine Oak 10yo, we have a comedian in our midst.

15th November 2010

Your site shouldn't even print such an absurd review. Did this idiot expect an oak cask in the box? This is 4-5 star whisky all day long. A Classic big oak complex speyside. BK from California.

18th October 2010

I too was greatly dissapointed when my 30 pound bottle of whisky did not arrive in a french oak barrel, I was going to make a tidy profit selling the barrel later.

25th August 2010

loved the aroma

7th April 2010

Wonderful flavour and smooth as silk. Highly recommend this malt.

30th December 2009

You should be careful when you buy this. It does not come in French Oak at all but in a glass bottle. Did not like the colour of the leather on the box at all!

15th December 2009