The Glenlivet xx YO

I'm fond of the regular 12 YO ?

I recently got the Glenlivet French Oak Finish for $29.99 (U.S.) and at that price it is really worth getting in. It's delicate (some would say "light") but has nice complex honeyish overtones and that satisfyingly slatey Glenlivet foundation.

At Whisky Live in London I tried the 12, 12FO, 15, 18 and 21. Now I've tasted a lot of whisky but I'm no connoisseur - I don't get hollyhocks and marmalade etc. But FWIW this was my view:

12 - always have liked this, sweet, smooth and yet full of flavour, classic 12FO - darker, spicier, quite similar - I wouldn't bother 15 - richer, more sherry, my favourite 18 - spicier than the 15 but impressive 21 - lighter, more flowery nose, sweeter than the others

Keep in mind that I'd probably tasted about 25 whiskies before I got to this stall.

I felt that they were all very much of the house style. I've had different expressions from other distilleries that are markedly different in colour, nose, taste and finish but not these. The same was true of the Aberlours (10, 12 & 16) - except for a'bunadh, which is just in a world of its own (again just in my, somewhat unsphisticated, opinion).

Me too.

OK.

I will get me a bottle of that.

Even if one only sips at them you are bound to get a bit intoxicated in a session like that aren't you ?

Thanks for your input.

Well don't spend a lot of money just on my recommendation - but if you do get some I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

Yes (I ended up tasting about 40) I was somewhat intoxicated. I really did sample small amounts but that's not really a good thing. I think more significant than the intoxication is that there was probably an anaesthetic effect too.

You're very welcome.