Glenlivet 33 years 1986 - 2020 #16601801 Cask Strength

A Glenlivet with over three decades of aging is always something special. Add to that a Cask Strength release by Gordon & MacPhail from a Refill Sherry Hogshead, and you’ve got liquid gold. This Glenlivet 33 Years 1986 – 2020 is a stunning example of how elegance, depth, and subtlety can harmonise in a perfectly balanced dram. The sherry influence is present, yet never overpowering – allowing Glenlivet’s refined fruitiness to shine while adding warmth and complexity. A whisky to savour slowly.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Delicate and layered with aromas of ripe peach, dried apricot and orange peel. Followed by notes of beeswax, aged leather, light tobacco and a touch of marzipan.

Palate

Rounded and silky with flavours of honey, crème caramel, golden raisins and soft spice. A beautiful balance of fruity character with hints of nuts, cedarwood and a trace of mocha.

Finish

Long and elegant with dried fruits, fine wood spices, orange zest and a gently drying mouthfeel that invites another sip.

Glenlivet Distillery

Glenlivet Distillery is located in the remote and scenic Livet Valley in the Speyside region of Scotland. Founded in 1824 by George Smith, Glenlivet was the first legal distillery in the region after the Excise Act of 1823, making it a pioneer in the Scotch whisky industry. Its location in the Livet Valley provides access to pure spring water from Josie's Well, which contributes to the distinctive purity of their whiskies.

A unique feature of Glenlivet is its use of mineral-rich water and lengthy fermentation, resulting in a smooth and fruity spirit. Glenlivet whiskies are known for their elegant and balanced flavour profiles, with notes of tropical fruit, flowers, honey and vanilla. Maturation mainly takes place in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, creating a rich and complex flavour.

The distillery continues to innovate and expand, making it one of the best-selling single malt whiskies in the world. The combination of a rich history, unique location and high-quality production makes Glenlivet a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.