There’s only two overtly sherried numbers in this month’s out turn – this 10 year old Glenlivet is one of them. Drawn from a 1996 1st fill butt. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits profile.
Nose: Orange peels, warm fudge and toffee sauce and chocolate are joined by a shot (make it a double) or espresso, walnuts and touches of tanned leather. Reduced, the nose emphasises real maltiness with a cup of bedtime Bovril.
Taste: Impactful and with plenty of sherry influence – Chocolate, raisins and more coffee (the machine is running on double shift today). Sweetness levels are quite high, both from burnt toffee and demerara sugar, as well as heavily reduced hedgerow berries. Building from the mid-palate is a wave of pepper spice, which is party bitter, but also a touch tart with the late arrival of sharp, tangy citrus.
Finish: Medium to long, chocolate, coffee beans and pepperiness.
A very solid sherry-forward Glenlivet that I’d be tempted to name ‘The king o’mocha’ - chocolate and coffee are in abundance. Equally at home at 60.9% or reduced to a lower ABV – this is either bold or opulent – take your pick.