Last in our original Mumbai whisky tasting group‘s October session was a no age statement Glenlivet.

Glenlivet is a global leader in single malt. They know scale. They know what the masses want. You will find Glenlivet practically everywhere. And generally at fairly reasonable prices too.

We sampled it blind, from a new bottle… and here is what we found…

Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Select 40%

• Nose – Bit organic, sour curd, sour fruits, sweet and ‘green’
• Palate – At first a burn, bit bitter, again that sense of being ‘green’, quite smooth with no depth
• Finish – Medium with a hint of cinnamon

We found it quite light, again expected it would be 40% and while there was nothing specifically ‘wrong’ there was nothing that stood out as fabulously ‘right’ either.

The sense of being ‘green’ or young was clear and overall quite smooth. If anything, it was nice yet, well, rather bland.

Created for travel retail, it certainly wouldn’t be for anyone on a quest for something ‘different’ however it is sufficiently light and simple, you won’t realize when your glass is empty.

Here is what the folks over at Glenlivet have to say:

• Colour – Bright, exuberant gold
• Nose – Ripe pear, fudge
• Palate – Fruit, pear, spice
• Finish – Marzipan, fresh hazelnuts

The distillery shares it is triple cask matured in first fill American and ex-sherry oak.

What all did we try in our October session?

• Peat – Connemara NAS 40%
• Sweet – Glengoyne 18 year 43%
• Light – Glenlivet Master Distillers Reserve NAS 40% (this post)

Other Glenlivet sampling sessions:

• Glenlivet Quartet – 12, 15, 18 & 21 year
• Adult Whiskies Night – Glengoyne 21, Glenlivet 21, Balblair 38
• Glenlivet Nadura, Scapa, Mitcher’s, Kilchoman (Spring 2011), Caroni

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