Glenlivet 2007 12 Year The Distillery Reserve Collection (Cask # 238202)

A visit to The Glenlivet is always a wonderful occasion, especially with a fully renovated visitor center. The distillery, known for the "First Legal Single Malt," used the pandemic downtime to improve its facilities and enhance the visitor experience. I participated in a Single Cask Strength Tasting there, and we were served some exceptional whiskies available only at the distillery. I'm starting my reviews with a superb Glenlivet 12yo Cask Strength, sourced from a single 1st fill sherry butt, Cask Number #238202, bottled at 58% ABV. On the nose, it's very sweet, with notes of coffee, banana, vanilla, and candied cherries. A second taste revealed orange, hazelnut, and the aroma of a cream-filled wafer. The palate was sheer perfection: prunes, gooseberries, oloroso sherry, and red fruits. It was quite sulphuric and robust, with notes of red wine and black pepper. A subsequent sip brought to mind tiramisu dessert and sherry. The aftertaste is wonderfully sweet, with hints of chocolate, shortbread, vanilla, cream, and Christmas cake. Overall, this whisky flight began with an outstanding spirit. Glenlivet produces an amazing spirit that, when bottled at higher proof from a carefully selected cask, consistently develops into a great single malt. It's full of flavor and highly enjoyable; I rate this beauty 96 out of 100.