2010s The Glenlivet 15 Year Old The French Oak Reserve

Not only does the 15 year old benefit from a little extra aging, it is also finished in Limousin French Oak casks, the kind that often features in Cognac production.

The final result is a spicier, richer whisky, with notes of butter, dried fruits, almond, rich oak, cedar, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, caramelised apples, fudge and a touch of Madeira cake.

A very pleasant bottling which showcases Glenlivet’s top quality spirit.

Colour: Gold.

Nose: Flowery and fruity - like gewürztraminer. Lot of vanilla and then apple pies and juice. Pleasant nose.

Mouth: Quite spicy (cinnamon galore). More apple pie, vanilla fudge, then white pepper…

Finish: Clean, lots of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon. Touches of white wine.

Comments: a fine, lightish dram that 'explains' well what the influence of French oak can be.