New Release: Glenlivet 1981-2015 33 Year Old Signatory Cask Strength Collection for The Whisky Hoop #9440

The comparison between two bottles was interesting. This one had a heavier sherry type. Glenlivet GLENLIVET 1981-2015 33yo SIGNATORY CASK STRENGTH COLLECTION for THE WHISKY HOOP #9440 48.5% one of 113 bottles, Refill Sherry Hogshead The aroma was dominated by a strong, heavy sherry character, covering the entire profile: concentrated orange marmalade, chocolate and ripe plums, faint mint and tea, gentle barley notes, subtle herbs, and quite rich. When drinking, it spread out with a rich sherry character, retaining the juice-like quality of non-overcooked orange marmalade, apricot jam, a moderate oakiness, rich sweetness balanced by astringent bitterness, and a long, luxurious finish. [Good/Very Good] This is a Glenlivet 1981, 33-year-old whisky bottled by The Whisky Hoop for Signatory, released in February. There is also a sister cask #9443 with the same specifications, but this is #9440. This time they were opened simultaneously, allowing for a comparison. The aroma had a slightly sweet, heavy sherry character with notes of ripe or cooked fruits, chocolate-like nuances, tea-like and herbal hints, making the overall profile very complex and rich. When drinking, it delivered as expected with a rich flavor. While the sherry character wasn't dominant, it wrapped around the entire profile in a relatively heavy manner. The impression of concentrated marmalade-like juice notes that weren't overly extracted stood out, and the rich sweetness balanced beautifully with good astringency. Personally, I preferred this #9440. It's delicious as is, but if left for 10 years, it would undoubtedly become even more delicious. If I had more economic power, I'd definitely want to buy multiple bottles to keep for aging.