Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenlivet Distillery, potentially incorporating casks from Islay or Speyside.
Type: Scotch Whisky, specifically a unique addition to the Glenlivet range.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in casks that previously held heavily peated Scotch whisky, indicating at least second-fill usage. The whisky is not chill-filtered, bottled at natural cask strength (61.5% ABV), and released in small batches. The specific batch discussed is PW07.0715, bottled in July 2015.
Age Statement: No specific age mentioned; however, there's an indication that the whisky might be relatively young, especially compared to previous Nàdurra releases that were 14 or 16 years old.
Color & Bottle Design: Described as amber gold, though the reviewer suggests it's more akin to light golden or white wine in color. The bottle design specifics are not detailed, but there's a mention of a loose cork leading to leakage.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a balance between light smokiness and the traditional Glenlivet fruitiness, with a very faint smokiness due to the unique cask finishing process.
Unique Characteristics: Notably, the whisky is finished in casks that previously held heavily peated whisky, adding gentle aromatic smoky notes. However, the influence is described as very light, with the cask influence being relatively weak.
Comparison: Compared unfavorably to other Nàdurra releases, particularly those matured in Oloroso sherry casks, which are described as having a more intense and favorable profile.

Production Challenges: The review discusses the logistical challenges large distilleries like Glenlivet face in switching between peated and non-peated whisky production, leading to innovative methods like cask finishing to introduce peatiness.
Historical Inspiration: The Nàdurra Peated is inspired by historic whisky-making traditions at Glenlivet, where peat smoke was originally used to dry malted barley.

Gaelic Naming: "Nàdurra" in Gaelic means "natural," reflecting the traditional, 19th-century methods used in its production and the emphasis on natural cask strength and minimal filtration.

Reviewer's Opinion: The reviewer, Horst Luening, expresses disappointment with the whisky's light smokiness and perceived lack of maturity and cask influence, summarizing it as "neither fish nor meat."
Quote: "This one is neither smoky nor matured."

Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated is a unique Scotch whisky finished in casks that previously held heavily peated whisky, bottled at 61.5% ABV in small batches.
It features a light smokiness and traditional Glenlivet fruitiness, with a very faint peat influence due to the second-fill cask usage.
The whisky is inspired by Glenlivet's historic use of peat smoke, but the current expression is considered relatively young and lacking in cask influence.
The reviewer suggests that enthusiasts might find better value in first-fill cask matured whiskies or other Nàdurra releases, particularly those aged in Oloroso sherry casks.

Peat Enthusiasts: Might find the peat influence too subtle and may prefer more traditionally peated whiskies.
Glenlivet Fans: Interested in exploring the range's diversity, especially those intrigued by the idea of a lightly peated Glenlivet.
Whisky Collectors: Looking for unique expressions to add to their collection, especially given the small batch nature and the specific cask finishing process.
Beginners: May appreciate the lighter, less intense peat character as an introduction to peated whiskies, though the high ABV may require dilution.