The Glenlivet core range

[Alexppp]

I was going to post something about my back-to-back of the Glenlivet 12 and First Fill, and prompted by the discussion on the 12 elsewhere I thought I'd start a thread about it, since I overall tend to be a fan of the Glenlivet.

As far as the 12 goes, I agree with the descriptions but there's certainly nothing wrong with a nice easy-going malt. Often when I drink it I tell myself that I shouldn't be spending money on middle-of-the-road malts when there's more exciting stuff around, however tonight it just felt right. I like the unpretentious fruitiness and youthfulness - it's a very 'fresh' whisky. And indeed I have it for evenings like these, when its straightforward charm just hits the spot

Following it up with the 12 First Fill, there's a noticeable jump. As I have said before (and others before me, I believe whisky rob is also a fan) it's an excellent malt. It has everything that makes the standard 12 a good dram, with added spice and complexity. Which brings me to the Glenlivet line in general: the one that disappoints me is the 18 which, despite a richly fruity nose, doesn't really deliver for me (In fact I prefer the 12 by a small margin, and the First Fill by a rather bigger one).

I don't tend to score whiskies, but for me the 12 is the very definition of an 80 (solid, dependable, not very exciting sometimes but always enjoyable), and the First Fill is pushing 90, and would certainly be over 90 if it were, say, 46% and non-chill filtered.

Of course, there's the Nadurra as well, which I'm a great fan of - I think it showcases the finest of the non-sherried Speyside style.

[Samson]

I have to say i enjoy the whole Glenlivet range that i have tried, 12,15, 18, 21, 25 and Naddura. The one i rate lowest is Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve but i know it is a matter of personal taste and many rate the 15 very highly.

Glenlivet tell us that "Age Matters" and i do think it is very true with the Glenlivet as their 16 Nadurra, 18, 21 and 25 are superb.

[albo]

Excellent discussion thread.

The 12yo does not pull up any trees for me, but it's still a good whisky, is it complex and challenging? No, but its good to just sit back and relax with, without having to think too much about it, which there is a lot to be said for.

I've not tried the 12yo FF but what I've read on this esteemed forum its one I intend picking up.

The 15yo is a funny one for me, I've had a bottle and found that some days it was very good and some days I just couldn't get my head round what it was trying to be. For that reason I've never picked up another bottle. I do prefer the 12yo.

The Nadurra is an excellent whisky at cask strength it really shows what the Glenlivet spirit is all about. I highly rate this one and id encourage any whisky fan to try a bottle of this. It's not a big in yer face whisky like the big peat monsters but its a delicate (relatively speaking) whisky which many nuances.

The 18 is very nice, I have an unopened bottle at home but I've tried a dram and enjoyed it. It's not a great whisky but still enjoyable. Rather like the 12 in that regard.

The 21 and 25 I've tried small samples of art whisky events which don't tend to lend themselves to really get to appreciate how good or bad a whisky is on any level but they both seemed very nice with the 25 really standing out as a stunning whisky.

[GBrough]

The Glenlivet 12 is here for guest, and my pops when he wants a drink. He is not a big drinker so lighter malts are more to his liking. Personally I like the 15 mostly because of the smell, I wish it was 46 % instead of 40% i feel that IMHO it would raise it up to something I like to have once a week rather than once in a blue moon.

The Nadura is awesome and show cases what Glenlivet could do with a more natural expression. It is perfect and unsherried a big plus in my book (I like sherry, but I find it can have a spoiled taste if bad cask are used).

The 18 is good, not amazing but good. The oak places a big part in this expression and it is sherried if i recall correctly but so far i have enjoyed the bottle I have had.

In conclusion I feel that the Glenlivet line would improve with a craft presentation. If i had to settle at least non chill filtered.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[Quaich1]

I have tried a wide range of Glenlivet. The airport executive lounges that I have been in recently here in Canada almost without exception have Glenlivet 12 in their complimentary bar service. I don't mind it at all and its consistency is part of its appeal. I do really like the Glenlivet 21 Archive and especially the Glenlivet XXV year.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Archer]

I have to say for my money i have no complaints about the Glenlivet 12 or 18, the the French Oak which the 15 matures in doesnt work for me so much. The 21 is excellent and until recent times a great price for a whisky of this age but like most whiskies 18 plus it really shot up in price a couple of years ago so i dont have it as often as i used to.

[bifter]

I quite enjoy the simple, fruity charms of the 12 and it's always one of the cheapest malts available. The Nadurra is good value for a cask strength 16yo, a real bang for your buck dram. The 18 seems to get mixed reviews but it has lovely soft fruit notes and, again, is not priced exorbitantly (though there are better purchases for the money).

It's Glenfiddich I'm not too keen on!
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"Whisky is liquid sunshine."
[George Bernard Shaw]

[Alexppp]

[djmaxliving]

[Alexppp]

[GBrough]

Yes Glenfiddich 15 is excellent, especially for the price.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[bifter]

[GBrough]

I have written off bowmore due to their pricing here in the states. I am close to writing off Johnnie Walker because of the phasing out of the Green Label and replacement of the old Gold Label. Glenfiddich 15 is the only one i have ever tried from their line and i think it is outstanding.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[Alexppp]