Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2015-07-13 | Good/Very Good

Latest Hand-Filled: Glenlivet 18 Year Old Official Hand-Filled Batch No.2

Glenlivet GLENLIVET 18 Year Old Official Bottling Hand-Filled Batch No.2 50.7% Bourbon Cask
Bottle #グレンリベット(GLENLIVET)
As expected for a Glenlivet Hand-Filled, it showed stability. Glenlivet GLENLIVET 18 Year Old Official Bottling Hand-Filled Batch No.2 50.7% Bourbon Cask The aroma features vanilla, honey, orange, faint pear and peach notes, oak, custard, and a pleasant, robust barley character. On the palate, it offers a rich sweetness with honey and orange liqueur elements, alongside vanilla, savory barley notes, and a balanced oak presence that deepens the flavor. [Good/Very Good] The 'Hand-Filled' method, where bottles are filled manually at the distillery, this is a newly released version bottled on May 21st of this year. Given the 18-year aging statement, it likely dates back to around 1997. The vanilla, honey, orange, and custard nuances, along with a pleasant oak character, are clearly expressed in both aroma and flavor. The subtle pear and peach notes in the background added diversity, while the deep sweetness and rich barley umami were particularly impressive. Though none of the standout elements felt exceptional, it was a high-level balanced whisky that was very enjoyable. Indeed, recent Glenlivet releases have consistently demonstrated high quality and stability.