Every now and then, it’s refreshing to revisit an old favorite. Whisky is a world of endless discovery, and I often feel that no matter how much I learn, there’s always more to uncover. Despite the time and effort I’ve invested in expanding my whisky knowledge, I occasionally experience feelings of imposter syndrome. Perhaps you’re familiar with this concept, but if not, let me elaborate.
For instance, when I first began teaching Scotch tasting classes in 2018, I questioned whether I knew enough to “fake it.” While I had been collecting whisky for nearly two decades and had taught extensively on the subject, I was constantly aware of the many friends with far more experience and expertise. Still, there I was, standing in front of a class, sharing my insights with students who had paid to deepen their understanding of whisky.
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve offers a bit of a remedy to that imposter syndrome. It serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come. While I still feel like I have much to learn, I’ve certainly gained more knowledge since first tasting this Glenlivet staple in 2014, when it was released. I vividly recall sharing a bottle with a friend at a kiddush in shul, comparing and contrasting it to the Glenlivet 18 Year Old we were drinking as well. I specifically remember being surprised that we both preferred the younger whisky. Looking back, it’s amusing to think that we were conditioned to believe that older was always better, when in reality, the world of whisky is far more nuanced than that.
Glenlivet’s story begins in the Livet Valley (“glen” means “valley” in Gaelic), nestled in the Scottish Highlands, through which the River Livet flows. The brand’s founder, George Smith, honed his whisky-making craft in this remote, hidden valley. It was here that he developed the whisky that would go on to achieve worldwide fame. The story continues in 1822, when King George IV visited Scotland and famously requested a dram of Glenlivet single malt whisky, which was still illegal at the time.
Over the years, Glenlivet’s reputation spread far beyond Scotland. In London, the renowned writer Charles Dickens once wrote to a friend, recommending that he try “the great rare old Glenlivet.” By 1950, Glenlivet accounted for half of all Scottish malt whisky sold in the United States.
The Glenlivet distillery sources its water from Josie’s Well and other nearby springs. Part of the distillery’s process includes chill filtering, a technique that, according to taste tests, imparts a fuller, rounder and richer flavor. The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak single malt gains its distinctive, rich character through selective maturation, with a portion of the spirit matured in French oak casks.
In fact, Glenlivet was one of the pioneers in using French oak for whisky maturation—a practice that has since been adopted worldwide. The Limousin oak used is sourced from France’s Dordogne region, where it is traditionally employed in the aging of cognac. Its low density allows the whisky to penetrate deep into the wood, enabling the master blenders to carefully control the maturation process and achieve a balanced, pleasing spiciness without overwhelming the desired flavor profile.
I find that I appreciate the Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve even more now than I did many years ago. It strikes a beautiful balance, with its spicy notes wonderfully complemented by sweetness and fruitiness. Additionally, its pricing is hard to fault, offering great value for the quality it delivers.
Nose: Upon opening the bottle, the room quickly fills with a rich, inviting scent. The dominant note is vanilla, accompanied by hints of almonds, tree nuts, warm apples and cinnamon. The nose is both rich and buttery, classic and well-defined. It brings to mind a bakery with chocolate muffins, underscored by a gentle hint of spice and breakfast tea. The aroma of this whisky is exceptional.
Palate: The flavor is a quintessential Speyside profile with a dominating spice element, yet balanced by strong vanilla, apples and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is smooth, round and fruity, with nutty flavors and a gentle cinnamon warmth. Sweet, simple and clean. The oak influence is present, with cloves and nutmeg, subtly reminiscent of raisins, nougat and cinnamon.
Finish: The finish is long, reminiscent of a bowl of applejack cereal with vanilla almond milk. Vanilla, apples and cinnamon linger on the palate. The finish is spicy and oaky with dried fruit notes, and lighter hints of pastry, honey and cinnamon appear as it fades.
Final Thoughts: It’s an excellent value within the brand’s core lineup, offering a well-balanced and highly drinkable whisky. Its consistency from nose to finish is impressive, with each element harmoniously complementing the others. The rich, fruity flavors and subtle spice make it both approachable and complex enough to savor. At its price point, it delivers exceptional quality, making it a standout choice for whisky enthusiasts. The Glenlivet 15 is not only a great value but also a truly enjoyable dram that continues to impress with every sip.
Just as Jewish customs are passed down through generations, this whisky reflects a time-honored approach to craftsmanship, honoring the meticulous processes that have been refined over the years. The harmony among its rich flavors and subtle spices mirrors the balance and unity found within Jewish values, where diverse elements come together to create a greater whole. Both the whisky and Judaism offer a sense of continuity, a respect for heritage, and an appreciation for life’s simpler, yet profound pleasures. Be sure to check out my website where I have a class called “age is just a number.” www.TasteScotch.com
Distiller: Glenlivet
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Region: Highland
Age: 15 Years
Cask Type: New French Limousin Oak
Abv: 40%
Volume: 750ml
Price: $80
