This whisky forms part of the 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 19 Years Old features maturation in American and European oak casks, before a finishing period in Scottish oak. The other two bottlings are the 14 Years Old (American & European oak) and 16 Years Old (100% American 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 19 Years Old is released at 48% ABV. A 70cl bottle will cost £105/ US$140. 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 deep coppery gold and the nose is robust and woody with an intriguing balance of sweet and savoury. Aromas of oak, sandalwood and chestnut mingle with milk chocolate, golden syrup and dark dried fruits – think of raisin, sultana and date especially. Some candied citrus peel and a distinct nutty quality sit underneath, alongside some warm baking spices.
On the palate this whisky is bold, chocolatey and brooding. The dark dried fruits from the nose lead the way and work superbly well with the milk chocolate and creamy nutty notes in particular. The combination is reminiscent of chocolate coated raisins. It feels viscous and almost chewy in the mouth. The nuttiness is reminiscent of toasted walnut, plus creamy hazelnut and brazils with a late hint of chestnut puree.
A golden syrup-like sweetness is also evident and binds everything together. There is also plenty of citrus in the form of orange oil and burnt peel. A soft baked apple note evolves also and hints at The Glenlivet’s DNA. During the final third, the savoury woody notes develop superbly. There are elements of old oak and antique furniture shop with hints of musky cedar and sandalwood. Warming spice, such as cinnamon bark and mace, add depth and balance.
The finish is long with a lovey balance between the sweet, fruity, woody and spicy characteristics. The golden syrup and dried fruit slowly fade, leaving the baked apple to shine for a little longer. Then the wood and spice take grip to give a mouth coating dryness and warmth.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a fabulous whisky from The Glenlivet and one that deservedly sits at the pinnacle of the Cask Master’s Collection. That said, it is the most unGlenlivet-like of the three whiskies. The other two expressions have classic characteristics of The Glenlivet and its Speyside home, which are loved the world over. This offers something deeper, darker and more brooding.
The time in slow-growing, tight-grained Scottish oak casks has moved things in a more chocolate-like and savoury woody direction. A bold, but ultimately delicious and successful, move by the brand. Hats off to them for that. Well worth a sip next time you see it for sampling at an airport.
