Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 years Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenlivet Distillery, one of the first officially licensed distilleries in the Highlands, established in 1824.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for 16 years in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. It employs traditional 19th-century methods, notably omitting modern chill filtration to preserve the whisky's body and creamy texture.
Age Statement: 16 years.
Color: Pale gold, which is consistent with first-fill American white oak ex-bourbon casks. It is suggested that no color has been added.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The whisky may show a slight haze when water or ice is added due to the lack of chill filtration. The bottle is a 1-liter size, indicating it was intended for travel retail.

Balance of Flavors: A rich and rewarding taste profile that balances floral and citrus notes with the warmth of spiciness and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its creamy praline, candied hazelnuts, and dry citrus oakiness. The finish is long, satisfying, and characterized by dry oak with hints of ginger and hazelnuts.
Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct from other whiskies in the Nàdurra range, such as those matured in Oloroso Sherry casks, which carry no age statement.

Interesting Stories: The Nàdurra range, meaning "natural" in Gaelic, is crafted using traditional methods from the 19th century and is one of the few to offer a significant age statement of 16 years. The distillery's founder, George Smith, was among the pioneers in obtaining an official license for distilling in the Highlands post-1823.

Historical Context: Glenlivet's establishment in 1824 places it at the forefront of legal distilling in the Scottish Highlands, marking a significant moment in whisky history. The Nàdurra's traditional production methods pay homage to this rich heritage.

"This one is from 2013... so it's already over two years on the market. And these are the very last bottles, I think. If you're happy to find one somewhere on the shelves with an age statement on it, take it. The new ones are without an age statement." - Horst Luening, emphasizing the rarity and value of the age-stated Nàdurra.

Matured for 16 years in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Non-chill filtered, preserving the whisky's natural body and creamy texture.
Flavor profile includes floral, citrus, candied hazelnuts, creamy praline, and a satisfyingly long finish with dry oak, ginger, and hazelnuts.
Part of the Nàdurra range, which means "natural" in Gaelic, and employs traditional 19th-century production methods.
The Glenlivet Distillery is one of the pioneers in the legal distilling history of the Scottish Highlands.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for traditional distillation methods and historical significance in whisky production will find the Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 years particularly appealing.
Collectors: Given its rarity and the transition to no-age-statement expressions in the Nàdurra range, collectors should seek out this whisky for its value and uniqueness.
Flavor Chasers: Individuals who enjoy a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, spiciness, and oakiness will enjoy exploring the depths of the Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 years.