This was my first Speyside, as it is for many, I suspect. I’m not adjusting my scores from back in 2013, but likely would adjust down slightly for this one.

The Glenlivet 12: 40% ABV

• Appearance: light gold, straw-like
• Nose: rather sweet, apples, caramel, vanilla, hard candy
• Taste: sweet and subdued. fruit – apples and pears, honey, vanilla. I hate adding water to 40% spirits, but here goes to try and get some more flavours out: a lot more fruit comes out with water! some citrus, cherry
• finish: short, sweet and woody. not unappealing but certainly not that exciting.

I sadly find it a little boring compared to Islays, but I tend to enjoy stronger flavoured foods/drinks anyway. definitely found it improved with water, which is interesting given the lower ABV to begin with.

Rating: 81/100