Tasting really old malts asks for a specific set of descriptors. I don’t feel very confident with whisky distilled before +/- 1965, but it never hurts to gain some experience. The fact that these ancient malts are difficult to describe is exactly what makes them interesting.

This Glenlivet was distilled in 1954 and imported by Baretto, their exclusive Italian importer at that time.

Glenlivet 15 yo 1954
(45,7%, OB for Baretto Import Milano)

Nose: dried fruits with honey and quite some vanilla. Smoked apricot? Bread crust. Candle wax. Whiffs of coal. Caramel and milk chocolate (hints of Milky Way). Nuts. Rather great, excellent example of old style, “hand-made” malts. Mouth: not too thick. Toffee and almonds. Hints of peat in the distance? Praline and nougat. Waxy and slightly smoky. Camomile tea. Develops a few savoury notes as well. Finish: still quite sweet, with dried fruits and a soft bitterness. Cocoa.

A very enjoyable and classy Glenlivet. It’s a bit soft on the palate (not uncommon for such old malts) but that’s about the only downside. Certainly high quality. Auction value around € 400-500? Many thanks, Dominiek!

Score: 89/100