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. These new single malts will be released at 14-, 16- and 19 Years Old. This 14 Years Old features full term maturation in both American and European oak casks.
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 14 Years Old is released at 40% ABV. A one-litre bottle will cost £65/ US$85. 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 coppery gold and the nose is immediately packed with sweet and fruity aromas. Baked apple and soft ripe pear lead the way and are quickly joined by muscovado sugar, golden syrup and vanilla toffee. Further aromas of milk chocolate, cocoa powder and sultana are accentuated by hints of baking spice, milky mocha and a twist of orange zest.
On the palate this whisky is extremely soft and gentle with a creamy, almost buttery, mouth feel. Imagine the soft baked apple sprinkled with powdered cinnamon and nutmeg alongside the ripe pear with vanilla custard. Further sweetness comes in the form of dried fruits – think of plump sugary sultana, raisin and candied orange peel. There is also a distinct malty, almost biscuit-like undertone, which adds a lovely structure and depth.
The second half adds complexity as several other notes begin to evolve. These include the chocolate and cocoa from the nose, which add to the slightly decadent vibe. Some oak tannins also develop. These, along with a pinch of baking spice and white pepper, give a pleasant warmth and hint of woody dryness to proceedings. A final intriguing hint of lime marmalade is a pleasant surprise right at the close.
The finish is of decent length and packed with the fruit and sweetness from before. However, these slowly fade to allow the oak tannins and woody spices to the fore. This dries out the whisky and brings some bitter citrus characteristics through – imagine bitter orange oil and burnt lime zest.
What’s The Verdict?
This whisky is a delight from The Glenlivet and exhibits many classic characateristics from both the distillery and Speyside region. It is soft, gentle and very approachable with a lovely balance of sweetness and green fruitiness, plus an elegant level of oak influence and warming spices. This is definitely worth taking a look at next time you are travelling through an airport, especially if they have a sample open for you to taste. Then you can decide for yourself.
