When people talk about scotch, The Glenlivet is one of the first brands that come to mind. This distillery has been producing premium scotch for over 200 years, so they know their stuff.
Most people simply call it “Glenlivet,” but this brand worked hard to make a name for itself in the whisky market, so it’s worth calling it the proper name, The Glenlivet.
The Glenlivet is a single malt scotch whisky distillery near Ballindalloch in Moray, Scotland. It is a single malt whisky, meaning it is made entirely from malted barley and produced at a single distillery. It is produced in the Speyside region of Scotland.
If you don’t already know, scotch means whisky from Scotland. The Glenlivet has a rich history, one which we’ll look at later, but first, how do you drink The Glenlivet?
You can drink The Glenlivet neat, this means adding no ice, water, or mixer. If you like to add a bit of water to your whisky, you can do this to The Glenlivet as well. A few drops of water can help enhance the flavor and bring out the aromas. You can also drink The Glenlivet on the rocks or add it to cocktails.
Continue reading as we talk in-depth about how The Glenlivet tastes, how best to enjoy this scotch whisky and every other thing you need to know about its rich history.
How Does The Glenlivet Taste?
The Glenlivet whiskies are known for their distinct character that is light, fruity, and floral. The aroma of the whisky is light and floral, with hints of citrus, apples, and pears. On the palate, it’s smooth, with a hint of nuts, spices, and a smoky oak finish.
Don’t let the fruitiness fool you; The Glenlivet typically has a 40% ABV or 80 proof. The whisky is often described as being “silky” or “velvety” in texture.
How To Drink The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet regularly makes the list of the best scotch whiskies due to the craftsmanship that goes into making each bottle. It’s not something to be drunk fast; rather, you should try to savor every sip as much as possible.
Here are some tips you should know before drinking your first bottle of The Glenlivet.
Choose the Right The Glenlivet for Your Taste
The distiller produces a variety of different expressions of The Glenlivet, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Understanding the different expressions of The Glenlivet and their flavor profiles is key to making the most of your Glenlivet drinking experience.
If you like smoother, more approachable whisky, the entry-level expression of The Glenlivet is the 12-year-old. This expression is characterized by light citrus and floral notes, along with strong hints of pineapple.
For those looking for a more robust and complex whisky, the 18-year-old expression of The Glenlivet is a perfect choice. This expression is characterized by stronger notes of oak. It embodies rich fruits and contains bursts of sweet orange.
If you want an even more complex drink, the 25-year-old expression of The Glenlivet is an excellent choice. This expression is characterized by intense notes of wood, spice, and dried fruit.
This is not an exhaustive list of what The Glenlivet has to offer. To browse all the options, you should check out their website.
Use the Right Glass
The best glass for enjoying The Glenlivet is a tulip glass. A tulip glass enhances the aromas of the whisky, allowing you to appreciate the full flavor profile of The Glenlivet.
The narrow top of the glass helps to concentrate the aromas, while the wider bottom allows you to swirl the whisky and allows those aromas to escape.
Additionally, the tulip shape helps to maintain the temperature of the whisky, allowing you to enjoy it longer, and the long base ensures your hand doesn’t heat the base, so the drink can stay colder for longer.
Serve It at the Right Temperature
The best temperature to serve The Glenlivet is between 46-55°F (8-13°C). This temperature range allows the whisky to reach its full flavor potential, allowing all of its complex notes to come alive on the palate.
Serve it too cold, and you’ll hinder the whisky’s flavor and aroma. Serve it too hot, and the whisky might be a bit too much for you; the temperature needs to be just right but don’t think too much about it.
Add a Few Drops of Water
Adding a few drops of water to your Glenlivet whisky will help to open up the flavors and aromas of the whisky. It can also help to reduce the alcohol content of the whisky, making it more smooth and more enjoyable to drink.
Drink It Neat or on the Rocks
How you choose to drink your bottle of The Glenlivet is totally up to you. If you want to appreciate all the flavors in the drink, then drink it neat.
If you enjoy a more mellow, refreshing flavor, you may want to drink it on the rocks. The ice cubes will cool the whiskey and mellow out some of the harsher notes. Additionally, the melting ice cubes will slowly dilute the whiskey, making it less potent and more refreshing.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to drink The Glenlivet neat or on the rocks comes down to personal preference. If you’re not sure which one to choose, you could always try both to see which one you prefer.
Make a Cocktail
Making a cocktail is an amazing way to add a twist to your favorite drinks. Here are some cocktails recipes involving The Glenlivet that are worth trying.
The Glenlivet Mule
This is simply a Scottish version of the Irish mule. It uses the same ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. The Glenlivet whisky
- ¼ oz. of syrup
- ½ oz. lime juice
- Ginger beer
- A sprig of mint
Instructions
- In a copper mug containing ice, add the Glenlivet, syrup, and lime juice.
- Top it off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with mint, and enjoy.
The Glenlivet Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the most popular cocktails because of its ease of making and great taste. If you love The Glenlivet, you’ll love this cocktail even more. Here’s the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. The Glenlivet whisky
- 1 tsp. unrefined cane sugar
- 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
Instructions
- Add the sugar into a glass containing ice and add a little whisky.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue adding whisky.
- Add the bitters and continue stirring for a minute or two.
- Add all the whisky and stir evenly.
- Garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy.
Pairing Glenlivet With Food
The citrus notes in The Glenlivet pair well with lighter dishes such as salads, grilled fish, and white meats. The caramel and vanilla notes pair nicely with desserts such as crème brûlée or a warm apple tart.
Additionally, the whisky works well with richer dishes such as steak, game meats, and smoked salmon. By experimenting with different combinations, you can discover the perfect food and whisky pairing that will bring your drinking experience to a whole new level.
A Brief History of The Glenlivet Whisky
The Glenlivet Whisky is one of the oldest and most renowned distilleries in Scotland. It was founded in 1824 by George Smith, who obtained the first license to legally distill whisky in the area.
In 1822, King George IV went to Scotland for a state visit and asked for a taste of the famous Glenlivet. Although distillers couldn’t legally distill whisky then, it didn’t stop the king from tasting Glenlivet.
Two years later, after the laws prohibiting distilling were lifted, George Smith got his license and became the first legal distiller in the Glenlivet parish.
Since then, the Glenlivet has been a well-known and highly respected whisky with its distinct character and flavor. The distillery has changed hands since George started it, but it has retained its renowned excellent quality.
Today, The Glenlivet is still one of the most popular single malts in the world, with its signature smooth and mellow taste. It is distributed in over 100 countries and has won numerous awards. The Glenlivet continues to be a leader in the whisky industry and is sure to continue to be for many years to come.”
Final Thoughts
Drinking The Glenlivet is more than just an enjoyable experience; it is an exploration of the complexities and nuances of Scotch whisky. With a little knowledge and the right preparation, you can unlock the full potential of The Glenlivet and appreciate its unique flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a classic single malt or an innovative blend, there’s a Glenlivet whiskey to suit any taste. So grab a glass, pour yourself a dram, and enjoy the smooth, rich flavor of The Glenlivet.
