Among Glenlivet’s lineup is the 15-Year-old single malt scotch whisky that is deep gold in color and exotic in character with a great nose and a rich, creamy aroma. On the palate, it is smooth with flavors of nut and fruit.
History of Glenlivet 15-year-old French Oak Reserve
The Glenlivet was established in 1824 and is known to be the oldest legal distillery in the parish of Glenlivet.
In the 1700s, illegal distilleries were common throughout the Speyside region. Many malt whiskies distillers would distill discreetly as they refused to pay the government tax imposed on whisky production. Hence, remote areas like the Glenlivet Valley made it ideal for illicit distillation.
When the Excise Act of 1823 was passed, George Smith founded Glenlivet distillery and legally became the first person to produce spirits.
It eventually became one of the biggest single malt distilleries in the world. Today, the distillery is owned by the French alcoholic beverages company Pernod Ricard.
How is it made
The Glenlivet was one of the first distilleries to use French Limousin Oak cut from the Dordogne region in France in the whisky-making process. With this technique, a strong oakiness profile is added to the whisky, resulting in many distilleries around the world imitating the method.
The distillation process takes place in a specially designed lantern-shaped still that allows the whisky to come in contact with the copper, giving the Glenlivet scotch a sweet, ripe fruit flavor.
The specialty about Glenlivet 15
What’s so special about French Oak Reserves?
For Glenlivet 15, a part of the whisky is matured in French Limousin Oak which is the same kind used for many Cognacs. Hence, contributing to the development of its subtly spiced and flavorful profile.
Tasting notes
The Glenlivet 15 expression has a distinctive nose with a creamy, rich, buttery, fruity, roasted nutty aroma.
The French oak cask contributes to its unique profile that contains a hint of spice, cinnamon, and vanilla in the mouth. The finish is long and dry with a peppery note.
Glenlivet 15 vs 18
The Glenlivet 15 has an attractive coppery brown color with oaky, buttery, nutty flavors and a rounded texture. As for the nose, it is mildly sweet that carries some darker undertones.
The Glenlivet 18 is darker in color, its profile leans more toward classic dried fruit and honey flavor.
Serving tips
Serving Glenlivet 15 in a tulip-shaped glass is recommended as it allows the whisky to be swirled around while releasing its flavor without spilling. Additionally, it concentrates the aromas at the neck of the glass.
There are a few ways to savor Glenlivet 15:
- Drink it straight.
- On the rocks
- Add a little bit of water. Adding water to scotch whisky opens up the flavor, allowing a better taste of the whisky.
- With ginger ale
- With club soda
Food pairings
The Glenlivet 15 fruity whisky pairs well with grilled fish, sushi, and fruit-based desserts.
For a more ‘Asian style’ pairing, the Malaysian Satay may be the best choice. This single malt scotch emphasizes the earthy-charcoal flavors of Satay, and the nutty palate pair perfectly with the peanut dip for a slightly spicy finish.
With its smooth and versatile characteristics, it can be enjoyed with just about anything.
Notable Awards
The Glenlivet 15 is highly rated among whisky lovers and has garnered accolades at spirits rating competitions including:
- Speyside 13-18 years: Gold medal at The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business) in 2013, 2014 & 2015
- Single Malt Scotch 13-19 years: Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013
- Scotch Single Malt Speyside: Gold medal at International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2014 and 2017
- Best Single Malt Scotch 13-17 years: Gold medal at the International Whisky Competition in 2015
- Liquid Gold Award: Gold medal at Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible in 2014
- Scotch Single Malt – Speyside 2013: Silver Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2013
- Distillers’ Single Malts 13-20 Years: Silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2014
Glenlivet 15-Year Old French Oak Reserve is a whisky like no other
Each bottle of Glenlivet French Oak whisky is made to perfection. Buy a bottle now to experience the velvety-smooth citrus taste, and feeling of drinking luxury in a glass!