Colour
- Amber with sparkling copper shades. Nose
- Without water: Opulent, mature. Sherry influence. An intricate array of fruit & wood. Christmas cake-like. Sultanas. Maraschino cherry. Thick-cut marmalade. Oak panels in an old church. A cedary touch. Balsamic spices. Cubebe pepper. A hint of eucalyptus. Tropical hardwood. Oak soon gives way to malty notes. Citrussy freshness. Orange & kumquat peel. Some cakey notes. A reminder of Grand Marnier souffle. With water: Water enlightens the fruity bouquet & brings out vanilla notes. Lighter notes of ripe peaches. Pear & marzipan pie. Luscious barley sugar aromas. Palate: Without water: Unctuous. Mouth coating, almost syrupy. Full-bodied. Sultana cake. Ginger biscuits. Oak holds the reins back, releasing a drying spiciness. Cinnamon & ginger. A touch of hot paprika. Walnut & raisins dark chocolate. With water: More sweetness but wood & fruit are not so well integrated. A watery gap at mid-palate. & a bitter note in the finish. Bare oakiness shows up a little blatantly. Finish: Everlasting, warming. Nutty. Toasted hazelnuts. A full layer of liquorice. A whisky so well knitted. The most oaky & least floral of the range of Glenlivet. But age & a particular selection of casks has achieved a distinguished maturity, almost intimidating. Sherry notes give depth to the distillery character & a cakey sweetness. Aromas are perfectly melted, especially when The Glenlivet 21 Year Old is enjoyed without water. Wood is well integrated but firmly frames the aromatic palette. A very special dram to enjoy with dark chocolate & let pleasure linger late in the night.