This whisky forms part of the new travel retail range from Speyside distillery The Glenlivet. The Cask Master’s Collection are age statement whiskies designed to celebrate the mastery and vision of Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet’s Cask Master. This 16 Years Old features full term maturation in American oak casks. The other two bottlings are the 14 Years Old (American & European oak) and 19 Years Old (American, European & Scottish oak).
The Glenlivet distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith. It is located close to the village of Ballindalloch in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is named after the Livet Glen in which it sits. Smith’s signature appears on all labels and packaging. The distillery was the first in Speyside to be granted a distilling license under the new Parliamentary Excise Act of 1823.
The Glenlivet is now one of Scotland’s largest distilleries with an annual production of 20 million litres. This has increased after a recent expansion. It is owned by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky wing of Pernod Ricard. The Glenlivet is one of the best selling Scotch single malt brands, regularly battling with Glenfiddich for the number one spot.
The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection 16 Years Old is released at 43% ABV. A one-litre bottle will cost £89/ US$120. The Cask Master’s Collection is now available exclusively in Global Travel Retail locations worldwide. Please visit www.theglenlivet.com/en to discover more information and where to purchase.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a bright and vibrant gold. The nose is packed with initial aromas of crisp red apple, vanilla fudge and muscovado sugar. These are accentuated by further notes of ripe banana, creamed coconut and hints of cocoa powder and crystallised ginger. Some orange and grapefruit zest also sit in the background, as does a pinch of oak spice.
On the palate this whisky luscious, fruity and velvety. It has a lovely initial silky and creamy mouth feel. This is created by the sumptuous vanilla notes, which are reminiscent of something between vanilla fudge, fresh vanilla pod and crème anglaise patisserie custard. It is so delicious. Then come a distinct fruitiness. This is now more cooked than on the nose and very poached pear and baked apple-like.
That ripe banana characteristic from the nose also comes through as does a hint of apricot jam. With time some delicate wood spices begin to evolve, as does a suggestion of sweet hazelnut praline. This in particular further adds to the silky texture. There is a hint of freshly sawn oak and some tannin also, plus further hints of gingerbread and some late green cardomom. That citrus zest also reappears right at the death.
The finish is long and sumptuous with plenty of flavour and depth. The creamy texture continues nicely and drags the finish out. Once it fades then the spice, citrus and oaky elements come to the fore. The orchard fruit also linger particularly well, although the final act is a touch peppery.
What’s The Verdict?
The Glenlivet have produced a delicious whisky for the centrepoint of their travel retail Cask Master’s Collection. This 16 Years Old oozes class and shows off all the classic American oak characteristics one would expect. These sit in combination with The Glenlivet’s archetypal fruity and soft Speyside spirit. It is a marriage made in heaven. A definite single malt to seriously consider next time you are passing through an airport.
