The Glenlivet introduced the "Master Distiller's Reserve" expressions for duty-free some time ago. The three expressions have different price points: the "Master Distiller's reserve," the Solera Vatted, and this small batch release. Having tried all three, I find the Solera Vatted to be the best for me. This review is for the Small Batch version, which is actually the most expensive in the range. It is numbered and comes in a fancy, nice bottle priced around $125. Bottled at 40% ABV. On the nose, it's very good. Prunes, cereal, apple juice, cola, blackberry jam, pineapple, orange jam, hot honey, fresh warm oranges. Great. On the palate, it's very drinkable but perhaps too watery and a bit "normal." It's just pepper, apples, and honey. Aftertaste improves slightly, with hay, honey, and an apple cider finish. Overall, this could be much better. The palate was too watery and straightforward. Don't get me wrong, nothing is offensive or bad, just not what I anticipated. 80 out of 100.
Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve Small Batch
Whiskey Scotch Speyside No age statement 40% ABV
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About this bottle
Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve Small Batch is the newest offering in The Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve Range, a collection of non-age statement expressions solely for Global Travel Retail. This small batch single malt is created by combining select first fill ex-Sherry casks, American oak casks, and traditional oak casks.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 12 parsed reviews.
It feels like the distillery didn't want to take any chances with this one. There's nothing wrong with this expression, but nothing stands out either. It's just... ordinary. Smells of sherry, with honey and oak on the palate. The body is decent, and so is the finish. It's acceptable.
A personal favorite. Not as smooth as the other version, but it offers more flavor and a fuller body in exchange for smoothness. It has more vanilla notes, more intensity, a creamier texture, and more complexity. The spices stay on the tongue for a good while. Very well-balanced and pleasing.
I generally enjoy The Glenlivet, and this one is quite special. The price is quite high for the quality, but the taste is amazing. A little spicy, with fruit tones and vanilla notes. Good with a H.Upmann Magnum 54.
I'm new to whiskey. I just tried this at Heathrow airport. What an amazing drink. No water is needed at all. Very smooth with clean tastes.
Smooth and spicy, but without a bitter aftertaste. Very easy to consume. It's unfortunate the aroma is rather faint.
6 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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