Speyside is characteristic for the fruit, honey, oak and spice in its malts. In this regard, The Glenlivet 12 year old is no different. A note to beginners- for some malts such as this, the “The” prefix before their name is mandatory. The 12 year old introduces itself as a richly texture, spicy and nutty malt that may become the archetype for Speyside malts in one’s mind, as it has in mine.
The malt is warm and strong, and in this regard it differs from the somewhat smoother Glenfiddich. Still, ice is not recommended. If you must, add only one cube and then let the drink air for a while. It will kill off much of the aroma and spice, but you will still taste the dry nut and fullness of its texture.
After spending an evening with this malt, I couldn’t help but wish that it came with a stronger ABV content (by now I know that a 40% malt mostly leaves me wishing for more).
Notes
nose: rich, full fruit, summer palate: notes of toast and fruit, dry spice 40% ABV