Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso (Travel Retail)

Aroma: cooked pears (perhaps red apples), dried plums, fruity notes of red berries, along with good spicy and sweet scents. Palate: essentially the same notes identified in the aroma, but it delivers a sweetness beyond expectations. Good spicy and woody notes. The traditional characteristics of Oloroso Sherry wine are present, such as oxidation, red berries, and dried fruits. Finish: medium to short. Overall Impressions: it's not a sherry bomb as initially anticipated, but it is certainly a flavorful whisky. It has a high ABV, which might surprise some unsuspecting tasters; however, a few drops of water can mellow this whisky, aiding palates less accustomed to higher alcohol content.

Tasted at the Iberian Lounge, Hotel Hershey. A very generous serving, significantly more than appropriate! At cask-strength, it needs considerable dilution to achieve balance, but the aroma was incredible, featuring rich, ambrosial raisin, milk chocolate, warm caramel, hints of caramelized onions, and even earthy mushroom, all over a base of freshly turned soil (not peat, but nitrogen). On the palate: thick, initially a touch of soap, then sweet oak spices, the familiar marzipan signature, and a hint of zesty grapefruit peel. The finish is long, malty, minty, and quite hot, just enough to encourage mindful sipping. I'm a bit embarrassed to say, but I think this NAS Sherry version was almost as impressive as the original 16. Well done! In a dry glass: sweet, metallic, and woody.

I opened this yesterday evening with relatives visiting for Memorial Day. I believe it is a 16-year-old expression (not specified here). It's rich and moderately sweet... a fantastic after-dinner beverage. It definitely benefits from a single ice cube to enhance the hazelnut and nutty characteristics. Allow it to breathe after opening, then add ice or water. It transforms beautifully. This was a crowd-pleaser... very much like the "Oban 14" in that it appeals to most people. Excellent to have on hand when expecting a diverse group and wanting a widely appreciated option.

The nose is rich and smooth, with a prominent sherry note. The taste is oily, characteristic of non-chill filtered spirits, followed by the brief intensity of cask strength. The body is smooth, creamy, spicy, and slightly nutty. The texture is more noticeable than the flavor, but there are many subtle notes to discover. I seem to detect different flavors each time I try it, so while it won't be my daily choice, I'll likely keep a bottle on hand.

****½ Avent 2019 - 20/24. Damn, this whisky is good, almost as good as the movie I'm about to watch, The Matrix. I feel transported to another dimension and can't tell the difference between reality and a dream. A rush of ripe fruit knocks me flat. It's potent, full-bodied, and stunning. I love it!

Excellent value, costing only 83 Canadian dollars and it's delicious. I'm referring to the cask strength edition; I also possess the 48% travel retail exclusive, but I reserve that one for visitors:p. The aroma is intensely fruity, with a significant presence of plums and apricots. It also exhibits a dry, subtly salty character. The finish is exceptionally long with more dark fruits; my tongue feels somewhat numb due to the alcohol content. A fantastic dram to end a meal!