The Glenlivet 30 Years Old American Oak Finish

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 19 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Peach cobbler, being cooked. Warm aroma. Fruity and sweet, with a suggestion of burnt pastry. Palate Like biting into a good praline, the biggest, roundest one in the box. Black chocolate on the outside, fudge, syrupy alcohol and raisins inside. Finish Crunchy. Belgian wafers. Comment Who would have thought that finishing in American oak could add so much? The Glenlivet character is showcased not overwhelmed.

Dave Broom Nose Rich, sweet oak tones: gingerbread and raisins, orange honey, coconut, polished oak table. Water brings out butterscotch, spice, menthol, apples. Palate Upfront, ripe and sweet: gingery, toffee, very sweet oak, custard cream, apricot. Finish Sweet. Comment Good, if you like this in-yer-face style but why do you need to ‘finish’ a 30 Years Old malt? To give a lift to a malt that lacked complexity?