Glenlivet First Fill American Oak 13 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured exclusively in first-fill American white oak casks.
Age Statement: 13 years.
ABV: 40%.
Price Range: In the 40s (currency not specified).
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the use of American white oak typically imparts a lighter, golden hue.
Bottle Design: Not described, but Glenlivet bottles are generally elegant and feature the distillery's branding prominently.

Balance of Flavors: A balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and mild oak spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: The exclusive use of first-fill American white oak casks gives it a distinct profile compared to other Glenlivet expressions, which often include sherry cask maturation.
Comparison: Distinguished from other Glenlivet whiskies by its lack of sherry cask influence, presenting a more oak-forward and vanilla-rich profile.
Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruity, sweet, with notes of honey, toffee, toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, orange peel, pears, and milk chocolate. The aftertaste is long, sweet, with more caramel and vanilla, and a mild, elegant spiciness from the oak.

Historical Anecdote: Glenlivet was the first distillery in Scotland to obtain a license in 1824 and is the only distillery legally allowed to carry the name "Glenlivet."
Name Origin: "Glenlivet" comes from "Glen" (Gaelic for valley) and "Livid" (the river near which the distillery is located), meaning "the valley of the Livid."

Geographical Context: Located in Speyside, a region renowned for its whisky production, Glenlivet has a storied history and was so esteemed that many surrounding distilleries once added "Glenlivet" to their names.
Historical Significance: As the first licensed distillery in Scotland, Glenlivet has played a pivotal role in the country's whisky industry.

"This is a Glenlivet as it should be, very friendly, elegant sipping but does not show the sherry characteristics other single malts from Glenlivet show." - Hans Luening
"I have to admit, I'm a fan of the regular 12-year-old Glenlivet... but this 13-year-old... shows the same maturity and despite the smoother casks, maturity which you can really feel on your tongue." - Hans Luening

The Glenlivet First Fill American Oak 13 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky matured exclusively in first-fill American white oak casks, offering a unique flavor profile distinct from other Glenlivet expressions.
It features a balance of sweet, fruity, and mildly spicy flavors, with notable characteristics of honey, toffee, vanilla, and mild oak.
Glenlivet's historical significance as the first licensed distillery in Scotland and the only one allowed to carry the "Glenlivet" name adds to its allure.
Expert opinions highlight its elegance, friendly sipping quality, and the craftsmanship behind its production.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the nuances of cask influence will appreciate the distinct profile offered by the first-fill American white oak maturation.
For Speyside Scotch Lovers: Fans of Speyside whiskies looking for a classic yet slightly different expression from the region will find this whisky intriguing.
For Beginners: Its smoothness, balanced sweetness, and lower ABV make it an accessible choice for those new to Scotch whisky.
For Collectors: The historical significance and unique maturation process make this a worthy addition to a collector's shelf.