The Glenlivet Classic Range Review
Glenlivet LineUp

Not pictured are the 18-year-old and 25-year-old expressions of the Glenlivet.

Let’s try something new here.  Instead of devoting an entire article to each expression of Glenlivet, I’m combining reviews of their Classic Range into one post.  The Classic Range is comprised of the following age-stated expressions: 12 year old (yo), 15 yo, 18 yo, 21 yo and 25 yo.

Founded in 1824, The Glenlivet has pretty much distilled continuously since.  The 12-year-old expression is the biggest selling single malt here in the U.S., and second biggest selling in the world right behind The Glenfiddich 12-year-old.  It’s the first bottle of single malt I’ve ever owned, given to me by a neighbor as a welcome gift.  Definitely an easy whisky to get into.  After tasting this expression, I had to pick up bottles of older Glenlivet to see what age (and different barrels) do to the flavors and aromas.  Let’s get into the whiskies.

(more…)

Four Roses 2015 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon Review

Photo courtesy Four Roses.

Photo courtesy Four Roses.

Today marks both the beginning and end of an era for Four Roses.  It’s Brent Elliott’s first day on the job as master distiller.  He also follows Jim Rutledge, a legend in the industry who marked his retirement yesterday, August 31, 2015.  Elliott served as both Quality Director and Co-Master Distiller, and has been with the company for ten years.  He is the face of a new chapter for Four Roses and is no stranger to making good whiskey (read my recent interview with Elliott here).  Jim Rutledge has been in the business for 49 years.  To put that in perspective, the Rolling Stones had only been around for a couple of years when Rutledge started his career. There aren’t a lot of folks who can say they’ve been in the bourbon industry for that long.  He’s the reason Four Roses receives the acclaim it rightly deserves.  I could write a thousand words praising Rutledge and his work, but let’s focus and get to the whiskey.

(more…)

Chivas Regal Extra Blended Scotch Review

Chivas Regal Extra

The latest offering from Chivas Regal is Chivas Regal Extra.  What’s extra about it?  It’s got a higher percentage of whiskies aged in sherry casks.  I happen to like sherried whiskies… then again I happen to like all whiskies.  Something else of note: this new blend from Chivas Regal has no age statement (NAS), and is positioned (price-wise) between the 12-year-old and 18-year-old expressions.  So, how is it?

The sherry influence comes across in the nose.  There is lots more fruit here than the standard 12-year-old Chivas Regal.  Underneath is creamy vanilla, crisp fruit and cinnamon spice.  The body is a little thin.  I suspect the low proof (40% abv) is the culprit.  Despite the mouthfeel, it does seem rich.  Beyond the sherried fresh fruit (apple, pear), some cinnamon spice comes across in a refreshing way, providing a welcome little kick.  I also detect some vanilla, toffee, and the slightest hint of peat.  The finish here is not quite medium in length, and carries over that candied cinnamon note.

I’ve got to hand it to Chivas Regal.  They’ve put together a really nice NAS blend here.  I think their 12-year-old expression is a bit on the bland side, but that’s not a concern here.  The extra sherry casks breathe some life into the signature Chivas Regal flavor profile.  Priced at about $45 a bottle, this whisky comes recommended!

8/10