Taster

Nose: Rich. Cooked plum, Christmas cake, then tomato soup, balsamic notes. With water, tomato leaf, fig. Has balance and richness. Intriguing.

Palate: Good weight but not too tannic. A hint of smoke, violet, chicory and rotten fruits.

Finish: Ripe, oaky. Some smoke?

Comment: A fine whisky, just lacking the finesse and balance of the 1974.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Big sherry nose, toffee, stewed fruits.

Palate: Lively sherry, mixed spices, caramel, a hint of ginger. Nimble for its age.

Finish: Lingering caramel; not overly long, but lacking the pepperiness that could be a peril here.

Comment: This example has stood up to its 32 years in the cask very well. A good example of how supple an old Glenlivet can be.

Score: 8.5