Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso Matured

It's been a considerable time since I've had one of these Nadurras. Something I believe Glenlivet should really reintroduce. I find the concept far more appealing than their current yearly releases. In any case, the 16 was an excellent whisky, while the peated Nadurra was decent. To my knowledge, this makes 3/4 Nadurra expressions for me. Fortunate to have found it so late in the process. Bottled 11/20 Batch No. OL1120 60.1% ABV Nose: A very distinct buttered toast aroma. Believe me. Beyond that, there are the apples, apricots, plums, grapes, raisins, and pears you might anticipate here. Almond. Honey, toffee, malt, and vanilla. Orange and roasted pineapple. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Pipe smoke as well. Palate: Cranberry, raisin, plum, date, fig, and grape. An absolute sherry bomb. Pineapple, apple, pear, and orange. Almond. Leather. Caramel and milk chocolate. Cola. It's very smooth. A fizzy, sparkling water mouthfeel too. Some honey and butterscotch in the background. Cinnamon, black and white pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Finish: Apple and apricot. Cola, plum, and raisin. Date and fig. Almond. Abundant cinnamon, black and white pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. A spice bomb. As long a finish as they come. It's a pleasant whiskey. Potent, as expected at this proof. It's a sherry bomb that rivals the Aberlour A'bunadhs and Tamdhu Cask Strengths of the world in terms of strength. However, I would choose the other two over this one. No fault in that; those are absolute classics. This is good, but it's only considered a classic because it's nearly all gone now. The main issue is that the flavor cannot match the overwhelming potency. That's not to say the flavor isn't prominent or enjoyable, just that it's out of proportion. It's still a damn good whisky, though—the notes are great. A 4/5. It could have scored higher with more time in the barrel. It's NAS, so I'm unsure if this is accurate, but I suspect it could have been aged considerably longer. It doesn't measure up to the Nadurra 16. Glad I paid $90 for this before it disappeared. It was well worth it.

This whisky, from Batch OL1117 and bottled at 60.3% ABV on 11/17, was sampled neat in a Glencairn after resting for approximately 10 minutes. It pours a crystalline amber color with noticeable sheeting and slow-moving legs, resembling dark honey. Its appearance gives no indication of its high proof. The nose immediately reveals honey, molasses, and fruitcake, with a faint hint of nutmeg. The aromas are delightful, rich, sweet, and subtle, suggesting this whisky rewards patience and exploration. On the palate, there is no perceptible sign of the high proof; it is as clean, smooth, and rich as any whisky experienced. The proof becomes apparent in the finish, with a warming heat that builds after swallowing and arrives in waves before slowly fading into a sweet, syrupy mouthfeel. The finish is truly remarkable – slow, long, and luxurious. The primary taste is sweet, with fruity impressions. The sherry influence is prominent and well-integrated. The palate lacks the complexity promised by the nose, offering subtle hints of oak, a faint and ghostly smokiness, creamy honey, and butterscotch, all indicative of a rich sherry heritage. I appreciate this scotch, yet I find myself oddly unsatisfied. I desire slightly more complexity in the flavor profile, perhaps a clearer distinction between the notes in this whisky's symphony. The sherry's influence may be marginally excessive. It is ideal for dessert or as a substitute for a rich XO cognac. My rating scale is as follows: 1 (I would prefer something else), 2 (acceptable as a mixer or based on value), 3 (a good, average whisky, welcome on my bar), 4 (an exceptional whisky, the minimum standard for my curated collection), and 5 (truly extraordinary in every aspect).

Following my previous review of this spirit, it's time for another. This time, we're looking at the Oloroso matured cask strength version. This comes from batch OL1015, bottled at 60.3% ABV, and is non-chill filtered with a natural color, appearing dark amber. The nose begins with strong alcohol (understandable given the high ABV) but is also very sweet with rich sherry fruitiness. Intense raisins and figs are present with a strong oaky foundation. Plenty of vanilla and chocolate, and a wonderful sherry envelopment. Fruitcake, dried fruits like cherries, apricots, and plums with a pleasant dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. More chocolate with a hint of black licorice. It's aromatic, almost as if it were peated, but it's something different. Green grass and dried hay. Blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries with a light mint. There's a faint soapy note at times, but it doesn't detract from the overall experience. The palate is sweet and densely fruity. Plums, apricots, raisins, and cherries. Sherry and oak are prominent, with a roasted nuttiness following closely. Some peppery spice, but not excessive considering the strength. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of coffee with caramel and pancake syrup. Slightly tannic at times, but it offers a much-needed contrast to the sweetness. A medium-bodied mouthfeel that is a bit thin for a whisky this strong, mouthwatering, and slightly astringent. The finish is medium long, fruity – primarily raisins, sherry, oak, and toffee. The nose on this whisky was quite pleasant, and the palate was not far behind. Lovely fruity sherry and fruitcake flavors. Another reason why Glenlivet should offer more cask strength releases. Rated 4.25, and thanks to a friend for the sample. Cheers

OL0614, bottled at 60.7% ABV, boasts a rich aroma from its Oloroso cask aging, featuring notes of raisin, Fig Newton, vanilla, brown butter, and a touch of young oak. It smells akin to warm maple syrup derived from raisins. The palate has a thick texture and a wave of spice and heat, followed by prolonged notes of cream sherry. Initially, for a couple of seconds, it suggests caramel-sweet bourbon rather than malt, though a toasted malt character is present. Before one can fully identify the sweet element, a surge of wood, clove cherry, and cinnamon appears, succeeded by a powerful blend of raisin, salted caramel, oak, and browned butter that lasts. A subtle nuttiness emerges in the finish, likely from Oloroso oxidation. It's superb. I thoroughly enjoy this spirit, appreciating its proof above 120, the heat, and its viscosity. It differs from any scotch I've encountered, though perhaps Arbeloue A’bundah might be similar. The advantage is its $70 price point compared to $100, making me exceptionally content. Greater satisfaction would come at a higher cost... While the heat may deter some, this dram rewards those who are bold. The malt character is somewhat obscured by the sherry, which might disappoint certain drinkers, but I believe it briefly surfaces between the palate and finish. It is remarkably sweet and might serve well as a dessert drink, but I find myself wanting it even on an empty stomach after a long day. [A crowd chants] “Sherry, Sherry, Sherry” before adding fuel to the fire.

The appearance is a clear, deep orange-amber, similar to Pantone 153. The aroma displays a complex sherry influence, with notes of dates, caramelized sugar, golden raisins, cured meat, vanilla, a petrol/rubber note, and noticeable alcohol. The mouthfeel has a gentle viscosity but an intense flavor profile, with a sweetness that echoes most of the aromatic notes, adding spicy cinnamon, some bitter espresso, and significant alcohol on the medium-to-long finish. This expression is not for the sensitive palate. While the sherry finishing and high proof were appealing, it comes across as somewhat harsh and disjointed, even for someone who enjoys high-octane spirits. Water is not typically added to whisky, but this one could benefit from being toned down. Repeated tastings over half an hour suggested that a lower proof might be preferable. It seems there may be a reason this bottle has remained unreviewed until now, as better options were available for enjoyment. The price is around $90; the original cost is not recalled. A repeat purchase is not anticipated. 3.25 out of 5 stars. 60.3% ABV. NAS. Bottled October 2015. Batch OL1015. Non-chill filtered. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I purchased a couple of bottles while they were still available in the store. I was eager to taste this, although I was concerned that the spirit might be too young to deliver its best (despite a heavy oloroso finish). The color is attractive, dark, and the swirl indicates a higher alcohol content. Fortunately, it did not let me down. I could envision that aging this in European oak for about six years would greatly help in balancing the intense sherry notes in this whisky. Nose: Slightly sharp, with a subtle hint of acetone mingling with overripe fruits like apple, pear, and apricot. It also has the scent of an oak grove filled with red berries that have recently been trampled by animals after a rainfall. Taste: An edgy, young initial taste that develops into heavy red wine and apricot flavors, with a touch of old oak planks (yes, the oloroso cask certainly made its mark). This clearly showcases sherry. Finish: The oak and sherry slowly fade away.