Glenlivet 12 Year Old 2007 The Nectar of the Daily Drams

We know that Belgian bottler The Nectar selects excellent casks. This is a first fill sherry hogshead that entertained the Glenlivet spirit for 12 years, judging by the color. But at what ABV did this baby go into the cask, when after more than a decade this is bottled at a whopping 66.2%. Many a great sister cask – all of them great – have been bottled by, among others, Signatory. I presume this one will be equally delicious.

Dark and sweet nose with a hint of (good) rubber that evaporates quickly. Next to the typical dark and sweet notes like figs, dates and plums, this nose offers an unmistakable hint of cosmetics. Yup, no mistake, like the set that you use to make-up the kids for Halloween. Weird but wonderful.

I was convinced I’d gasp for breath with the ABV, but I didn’t. Good integration. Of course it’s a powerhouse, but quaffable without diluting, provided you allow your saliva glands to do their job. Dark and sweet on red fruit (cherries!) and stone fruit like dates and plums and – obviously, I’d say – a good spiciness on nutmeg and cloves. For a second it reminds me of high end bourbon with some corn on the BBQ and some green garden herbs. A light bitterness shines through and makes for a grand balance.

The finish is wonderfully long, spicy, dark & sweet, but does leave the mouth parched.

Not one of those casks has disappointed and this one is worth every penny of it’s price tag of 120 EUR.

Find where to buy Glenlivet whisky