The Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Photo courtesy of The Glenlivet.

The latest entry to The Glenlivet’s Nadurra line is this Peated Whisky Cask Finish Single Malt. If you’re unfamiliar with their Nadurra (Gaelic for “natural”) whiskies, let’s catch you up. These are small batch, non-chill filtered, cask strength expressions from the distillery. The current bunch have no age statement, but that doesn’t really matter so long as the whisky inside the bottle is good. Joining this Peated Cask Finish expression are an Oloroso-Cask matured whisky (I’ll review this one soon) and a First Fill Selection using first fill ex-bourbon casks for maturation.

Glenlivet’s Peated Whisky Cask Finish is exactly what it sounds like. After maturation, the whisky was finished in casks that previously held peated whisky. My sample bottle is from batch PW0715 and is bottled at 61.5% abv. The suggested retail for a 750mL is $84.99.

The peated cask is evident from the start, but not overpowering. I get an aromatic blend of fresh, ripe fruit (a Glenlivet signature), sweet toffee, vanilla extract and a dab of peat. That dab of peat goes a long way. It’s a balanced nose. On entry, a welcoming sweet smoke coats the tongue. Unusual for The Glenlivet, but a throwback to how whiskies were release many, many years ago, including whiskies from this distillery. The high proof provides a surprisingly easy-drinking experience. Candied fruit, creamy toffee, orange marmalade and a touch of spice lead to a long, sweet, and slightly smoky finish. A little water tames the smoke and allows the sweeter notes to shine.

A peated Glenlivet expression? It’s about what I thought it would be. A tasty, interesting offering from the classic whisky distillery. The added touch of peat smoke makes this whisky that much more complex. Yet it still carries the Glenlivet DNA. Very well done and highly recommended.

8/10

theglenlivetcask.com

(Note: A review sample was provided by The Glenlivet.)

Lagniappe Reviews – Soberano Brandy & Lepanto Brandy

Soberano Solera

Soberano Brandy

40% abv / SRP $24.99

Distilled from 100% wine, Soberano is a solera-aged brandy that’s about 12 months old. The casks that make up this specific solera system are ex-sherry American oak casks.

Fragrant nose leads with a hint of wine and slight oak. Soft entry. Somewhat muted flavors, compared to the nose. Mulled wine is the star, with a touch of oak, brown sugar and vanilla playing supporting roles. Sweet, fruity medium-length finish.

Soberano is very flavorful for a young brandy. While not bad on its own, I’d prefer to use this one in a cocktail. Preferably an Old Fashioned.

7/10

Lepanto Gran Reserva

Lepanto Brandy

40% / SRP $55.99

Lepanto Gran Reserva brandy is also aged in a Solera system for a minimum of 12 years. According to press material, this is made from 100% Palomino grapes. The first nine years of maturation take place in fino sherry casks, followed by three years in ex-oloroso sherry casks.

A lovely bouquet on the nose. There’s a big vanilla note upfront, turning into a beautiful mix of raisins, dry wine, dark caramel and a bit of oak. The palate is equally engaging, starting with a dark fruit sweetness. Dry red wine, cloves, cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean form most of the body, with some old, dry oak playing a supporting character. Overall the flavors are soft without being muted. The finish is nice and dry.

What an elegant pour! This brandy’s time in oak concentrates and mellows flavors into something wonderful. Keep this one away from mixers, and stick to neat pours.

8.5/10

(A sample of each of these two brandies was provided by their PR company.)

My Favorite Whiskies of 2015

Spirits-based websites and blogs generally post a Top 10 list or Holiday Gift Guide at the end of the year. I did the same in 2014, but this year I’m changing things up a bit. Reflecting back on the past year, I came up with a listing of whiskies that I not only thoroughly enjoyed, but ones that I found were memorable. These cover both American and Scotch whiskies, regular offerings and limited editions.

Except for the top spot, these are listed in no particular order.

George T. Stagg (2015) Bourbon – Hands down my favorite whiskey of 2015. There’s so much flavor packed into the bottle, yet this whiskey still maintains a bit of nuance. Still king of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the best bourbon coming out of Buffalo Trace distillery.
Michter’s 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon – This one is a close second. An exquisite expression from the folks at Michter’s. While their standard small batch bourbon is solid, this 10-year single barrel offering is leagues ahead.
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2015 Bourbon – Jim Rutledge’s last limited edition release. What a great way to say goodbye to this industry giant. Another classic expression from Four Roses.
Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Bourbon – Not the oldest Elijah Craig release, but EC18 is the one that stands as most balanced. This is one outstanding release from Heaven Hill.
Glenfarclas 17-year-old Single Malt – This sherry bomb is brimming with dried fruit, wood smoke and spice. This is also my wife’s favorite whisky, and she doesn’t drink whiskey.
Highland Park 18-year-old Single Malt – Oh man! What a whiskey – luscious dried fruit, malt and heather all play together in near perfect harmony.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep 17-Year-Old Bourbon – I don’t have a formal review, but had a chance to sample this exquisite bourbon over the summer while on the Wild Turkey bus. Flavorful and balanced, especially for such an old Turkey.
George Dickel 9-Year-Old Hand Selected Barrel Tennessee Whisky – While not a new release, this whisky is a staple in my household. It just may be the best whiskey coming out of the Dickel Distillery.
Johnnie Walker Select Casks Rye Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whisky – The newest blend from Johnnie Walker, JW Select Cask Rye Cask Finish takes the best parts of JW and American rye. This is one of the most interesting whiskies I’ve tasted all year.
Pikesville Rye Whiskey – A nice step up in quality from Rittenhouse Rye, Pikesville Rye hits all the right notes at an affordable price.
Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey – Another powerhouse release from Michter’s.
Laphroaig 10-year-old Cask Strength Single Malt – To me, this smoky beast captures the best qualities of the Laphroaig distillery.

The year is not over yet. I’ve got some potentially incredible whiskies waiting to be tasted. Who knows if they’ll make this humble blogger’s list of favorite whiskies of 2016. Until then, Sláinte!

What’s the best whiskey you’ve tasted this year?

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Soberano Solera

Lepanto Gran Reserva

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