Glenlivet 1989 (Master of Malt)

This is the first Glenlivet bottling from Master of Malt, apparently, released at a respectable age of 27 years.

Glenlivet 27 yo 1989 (51,4%, Master of Malt 2017, bourbon cask #10154)

Nose: rather typical bourbon wood with a footprint of yellow apples, berries, a little leather and grassy notes. Flowery honey with orange blossom, hints of nutmeg and ginger.

Mouth: bright fruits (plums, berries), moving to dried fruits (apricots). Fruitier than on the nose, but spicier as well. Cinnamon, white pepper. A grassiness again. Getting drier towards the end, with tobacco leaves and walnut skins, as well as a slightly bitter ginger note.

Finish: long, on zesty notes, wood resin and a whiff of chlorophyll.

A good quality Speyside dram but a bit uninspired in the sense that the wood takes the upper hand, taking away some of the subtleties. Frankly overpriced as well. Available from Master of Malt.

Score: 85/100