The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection

In 1824 George Smith took the first legal distilling licence in the Glenlivet valley, in a region running almost entirely on illicit whisky. His neighbours were not pleased — he carried a pair of pistols for years afterwards. Every legal Scotch distillery since traces back to that decision.

The Speyside Standard

The Glenlivet is one of the world's best-selling single malts, and the house style is consistent across the range: smooth, fruit-forward and elegant rather than heavy or smoky. It is the malt most often recommended to someone drinking their first.

The Range

• 12 Year Old — traditional oak then American oak casks. Bright pineapple and orchard fruit, vanilla, a creamy texture. The entry point and the reference.
• 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve — the technically interesting one. A proportion is matured in French Limousin oak, cut in the Dordogne and normally used for cognac. Its low density lets spirit penetrate deeper into the wood, which is where the distinctive spice comes from. The Glenlivet was among the first to use French oak in whisky; many have imitated it since.
• 18 Year Old Batch Reserve — American oak and sherry casks. Dried fruit, toffee and toasted oak with the orchard fruit still recognisable underneath.

Which Glenlivet Should You Buy?

• Your first single malt: the 12. Smooth, unchallenging, and it makes everything else make sense.
• If you like the 12 and want more character: the 15. Spicier and creamier rather than simply older.
• For a milestone or a gift: the 18.

How to Drink It

Neat, in a nosing glass, with a few drops of water. The 12 is one of the few malts that also holds up in a highball with soda — useful in this climate.

For adults of legal drinking age only. Please enjoy responsibly.