GLENLIVET 44 ans 1978 Sherry Cask Antipodes Gordon & Macphail

Nose : Heavy and concentrated. Extremely floral (dried flowers, iris concrete, tuberose, carnation), the initial nose gradually evolves into chocolate, fruity (orange, mango), spicy (cinnamon, ginger), and vegetal (pipe tobacco) notes. Allowed to breathe, various honeys (lavender, violet, heather, linden) and royal jelly cover the aromatic palette with their sweet aromas. Increasingly medicinal (arnica, band-aid, tiger balm), this version also reveals absolutely magnificent notes of saffron.

Appearance : Topaze à reflets verdâtres

Palate : Clean and airy. Overflowing with vanilla freshness, the attack is very different from the nose. Notes of white flowers (lilac, lily of the valley, lily) and fresh fruits (pear, mirabelle plum, peach) perfectly embody the Glenlivet style. On the mid-palate, flavors of fresh fig, lime, and licorice refresh the taste buds. On the finish, this fruity evolution is enriched by notes of candied apricot, fresh walnuts, melon, and perfectly ripe mango.

Overall : Long, serene. Vanilla-laced (flan, milk tart), the start of the finish is dotted with numerous aromatic plants (chamomile, verbena, rosemary, sage). Then, taking over the palate, malted barley grains provide a smooth aftertaste. Subtly woody (oak, gentian root), the retro-nasal olfaction reveals delicious notes of leather and walnut husk. The empty glass is flooded with aromas of licorice, roots, praline, and malt.