Taster

Nose: Heady stuff for a Glenlivet this age; almost perfumed in style but it is oak that pulls the strings.

Palate: Wallopping oakiness produces a prickly spice and chewy, spectacularly beautiful sweet malt.

Finish: Big toffee and spice with countless oak rings.

Comment: It's The Glenlivet. But not as we know it. The oak is extraordinary, but the bitter-sweet sync impresses most.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Lots of fruity, fresh-apple, oak extract.

Palate: Firm, rich, rounded. Dessert apples, peaches, honey.

Finish: Crisp, clean, oakiness.

Comment: The oak does not dominate, but is quite powerful for such an elegant malt.

Score: 8.8