Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve

Time to try my first The Glenlivet! Which means I've returned to Speyside. Master Distiller's Reserve is 40% ABV NAS and I consider it on the entry-level shelf. This is tripple cask matured and it shows in the notes too. On the nose I got a clear pear note that was ripe and a bit sweet with orchard honey. I was aware people got pear notes from The Glenlivet, I just didn't think they would be so clear! Fudge notes came through. My palate did pick up a fair amount of oak from the start which I'm a fan of. It mingled with general spice and did have some tangy pear notes in the back as well. The finish for me mainly offered notes of sherry, with tannins that were more bitter than dry, spices still present. Compared to the nose and palate notes the finish was not as complex. Something I've noticed from 40% ABV NAS drams. It was still enjoyable and I will have this as a pleasant casual sipper! Instagram: mr.ljwhisky

This is the cheapest expression of Glenlivet's Master Distiller's Reserve editions for travel retail. 40%abv. On the nose: new Wood, Herbal notes, wet Forest, dim Vanilla. On the palate, Oak and Pepper. Thats it. Aftertaste medium, pepper and clove. Needed to add water to see if it can give something else: Water opens a dim and "spicy" apple on the palate Overall i give this dram a 78 over 100

May 2018 When I initially tasted this I thought it was a bit like the Balvenie 12yo Doublewood but subsequent visits have dampened that impression. It has a fruity (pear) aroma and the palate is also fruity but mild, with a sharper (but not overlong) aftertaste. A 3 to 3.5 stars is what I'd pitch it and, once finished, not one I'd return to.

The nose is quite disappointing, smells rather cheap and harsh. The taste is just a little better, with a hint of orange. I must add a splash of water to enjoy this whiskey, it takes away the hard edge. Should have invested a few extra dollars to get a 12YO Glenlivet rather than what feels like a travel exclusive reject.

Surprised by the clear pear aroma on the nose, which is wonderful. There was also pear in the taste, especially after adding a touch of water. There was some bitterness in the taste that I found rather pleasing - something like orange peel. Long finish.

"The (good) surprise of a tasting with 11 whiskies. Very quaffable! It reminds me a lot of balvenie doublewood 12 with its full body and strong sherry influence. I was pretty sure this would be a crap whisky before I tried. What a great surprise! "