Glenlivet 12 Years Double Oak
The Glenlivet distillery engages in a fierce battle year after year with Glenfiddich for the crown of the best-selling Single Malt Scotch. Especially in the USA, The Glenlivet enjoys extremely high popularity. The distillery in Scotland's Speyside region is owned by Pernod Ricard and is therefore also included in their blend products such as Chivas Regal. Today, we have the Glenlivet 12 - arguably the most prolific bottling from the core range - in our glass.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Right from the start, the aroma is classic Speyside. White bread and vanilla open with a hint of honey and crisp apples. Primarily fruity and sweet, more exotic notes of pineapple also emerge. A light citrus note evokes the image of freeze-dried lemon herbal tea in our minds.
Palate
The taste delivers exactly what the nose promises. We find the sweetness of green fruit, along with some floral aromas, flattering honey, and intense vanilla. The mouthfeel is creamy and buttery soft. On the palate, a light citrus note and the tingling sensation of ginger tea spread.
Finish
The finish is short to medium-length and dominated by roasted oak and nuttiness. Once again, we find subtle ginger notes. The Single Malt is rounded off by some spice and pleasant maltiness.
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100
The Glenlivet 12 Double Oak is simply enjoyable in the glass with its creamy sweetness and exotic fruit notes – an uncomplicated Speyside that turns every sip into a little pleasure with its buttery character and a hint of ginger. No drama, but solid and pleasant, perfect for anyone looking for a charming everyday whisky.
Sascha 72/100
With a balanced interplay of fruity sweetness, vanilla, and subtle spice, the Glenlivet 12 Double Oak impresses as a well-structured Speyside whisky. The combination of toasted oak and nuttiness in the finish reveals an interesting cask maturation, while its moderate complexity mainly appeals to beginners who appreciate a harmonious mouthfeel.
Value for Money: Good
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How does the Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak differ in taste from other Glenlivet expressions?
The Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak matures in two different oak casks, which adds an extra layer of complexity. As a result, alongside the classic vanilla and honey notes, the toasted oak and nuttiness in the finish come through more prominently, making it spicier and more multifaceted compared to other 12-years Glenlivet variants.
Why is the Speyside region important for the Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak?
Speyside is known for its mild and fruity single malts that often showcase vanilla and honey notes. Glenlivet, as a Speyside distillery, takes advantage of the region’s gentle climate and soft water to produce a balanced and elegant whisky, as you can taste in the Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak.
How should you best enjoy the Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak to fully experience its aromas?
The Glenlivet 12 Year Double Oak reveals its aromas best at room temperature in a tulip-shaped whisky glass. A few drops of water can help highlight the vanilla and citrus notes without compromising the creamy texture. It’s equally suited for neat enjoyment or paired with mild foods like cheese or nuts.