This 15 year old expression from The Glenlivet, was matured in French Limousin Oak casks. Limousin Oak is a popular choice for maturation of Cognac.
The nose is rich and oaked. There are notes of chewy resinous wood with a well-balanced acidity. Fudge and Madeira with apple crumble with calvados.
The palate is full and rich with winter spice; cinnamon and cloves, thick oak with developing aridity.
The finish is long and dry with a peppery note.
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.
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).
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.
Without a doubt this is one of my favs.
One of my favourites, an absolute cracker...
