Glenlivet Triple Cask Matured Distiller's Reserve

Another travel retail offering, this Glenlivet Triple Cask Matured Master Distiller's Reserve, could be mistaken for three other Glenlivet Master Distiller's expressions also released as travel retail exclusives a few years back. I'd actually bypassed this particular bottle many times, thinking I'd already tried it. Well, I've finally tasted it, and here are my observations: Bottled at 40% ABV, with a tawny hue. The nose is fairly intricate and wine-like. Notes of prunes and grapes. Vanilla and pepper. Fondant, and the signature Glenlivet apple. Vanilla ice cream. After several sips, lemon emerged. The palate is more traditional. Quite spicy, with vanilla and honey. Tart apple flavor. A hint of saltiness. Aftertaste was a letdown. You read that correctly. It wasn't particularly good. Very oaky, like sawdust. Excessively oaky with a whisper of smoky hay. It feels quite young. In conclusion, this one didn't impress me. The aftertaste significantly missed the mark. It's just another duty-free bottling aimed more at casual drinkers than connoisseurs. My score is 71 out of 100.

The aroma is quite intriguing, showing good depth with hints of malt, mint, fudge, and a fresh, floral fabric softener. It's certainly young but not off-putting. The sherry aging is also apparent, along with a subtle eggy sulfur note. The taste, unfortunately, doesn't match the aroma. It's rather bland and lifeless, with notes of orangeade, powdered sugar, and bitterness. The finish is brief but pleasant again, offering an After Eight chocolate and creamy mint sensation. Overall, it has appealing scents and a nice finish, but the taste falls short of the aroma's promise. Despite the noticeable and interesting sherry influence, I favored the Founder’s Reserve and, of course, the Illicit Still, though that's in a different category. I wouldn't spend approximately €50 on this liter bottle.

Sampled beside Alaskan waters, served in a plastic cup near the pools. Aroma - potent apple scent Taste - subtle oak, honey, and apple notes Conclusion - short, light honey finish Rating - 3.25; the aroma was the most impressive aspect. Rating Scale: 5.0 - Exceptional, stands alone 4.5 - Excellent, a staple I'd always keep stocked if possible 4.0 - Very good, highly enjoyable, a solid option 3.5 - Good, would sample again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Passable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, drinkable but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—would avoid unless desperate

Light gold color. Light, very light. Stands out for its woody, wine-like aroma. Smooth palate, reminiscent of vanilla and fruit. Peat is nonexistent, as anticipated. Weak structure. Easy to drink, pleasant, but far from captivating, though nice.

Very light, delicate, even invigorating. Pear, fruit, subtle wood. A good whiskey for casual conversation, not about whiskey. Unfortunately, only found in travel retail locations.

It's smooth but lacks depth in flavor. Hints of caramel sweetness can be found, with a fresh, fruity aroma, particularly ripe pear. It has a nutty profile and concludes with a medium to short finish.