Glenlivet 12 Year (Old Label)

This single malt Scotch is made from 100% malted barley. It presents a yellow-gold color in the glass, has an 80 proof, and is 12 years old. I purchased a 375ml bottle for $26.49 at the Uptown Total Wine store in Albuquerque. At that price, one might assume I couldn't afford a fifth, but doubling the volume doesn't even come close to doubling the cost, so I'll opt for a fifth next time. NOSE: Granny Smith apples, pineapple, bananas, honey, apple juice, a very faint, not unpleasant, liniment-like note, musty grain, and toasted oak. MOUTHFEEL: Thin. TASTE: Diluted honey, sharp oak, apple pie without the crust. FINISH: Extended, with gentle oak and spring water. I strongly dislike the metal seal. I initially mistook it for plastic, so I wasn't careful when using my thumbnail on the tab. It was more of an unpleasant surprise than actual pain, but it did hurt, and removing the metal strip to break the seal proved at least as challenging as peeling tape from a wax seal. However, the whisky itself is good. It lacks significant complexity, particularly on the palate – the nose is much more intricate – but it's a pleasant, light, and fruity spirit.

An inviting aroma. Apples, vanilla, honey, dry biscuit, and cigarette ash. The initial taste is smooth, with sweet ginger and chilies, followed by dark fruit and baking spice. This is a very well-developed spirit, which could have been exceptional if not for the chill filtration and basic packaging.

This was the initial single malt I sampled, and I'm now finishing a bottle acquired years ago. The aroma presents honey and apple, the palate offers cereal, and the brief finish has a slight sting. It's enjoyable but unremarkable.

Nose Subtle citrus notes of lemon and vanilla. Taste Floral, dry, and bitter. The aroma is superior to the flavor. A very understated whisky with minimal tasting notes.

Soft, sweet taste profile with bitter oak. A fruity sweetness overall. This is the label I received in a tasting pack, not the newer one called 12 double oak.

Fruity aroma with some honey, lemon, tea, and vanilla. The palate isn't too sweet, with vanilla, oak, and maltiness on the finish. Good value.