This Glenlivet 2004 was a special Connoisseurs Choice release from Gordon & MacPhail for the festive season, together with a Craigellachie 2005. It comes at a whopping strength of 64% and it is only available in the UK market.
Glenlivet 14 yo 2004 (64%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ 2019, refill bourbon barrel, 162 btl.)
Glenlivet 14 yo 2004 (64%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ 2019, refill bourbon barrel, 162 btl.)Nose: sweet, with marshmallows and white chocolate up front. Vanilla custard. Sablé breton biscuits. Also floral (almost potpourri) hints, which work well here. Light leafy notes and peppercorns. Very nice.
Mouth: a lot of baked apples and apple pie, with more biscuits, yellow plums. However it’s way too hot, bringing out walnuts skins and a tannic edge, so let’s add some water. This brings out bananas, charred wood, vanilla cake and roasted nuts. Also a slight whiff of cologne, I’m afraid, which is less to my liking. Ginger and lime as well.
Finish: long, with butterscotch, hazelnut and sweet lemons.
A really nice nose, but playing around with water turned out quite difficult. Available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 86/100