Today I am reviewing The Glenlivet 12 year old First Fill which is an exclusive and rare edition. It is the very first time Glenlivet has released its "First Fill" in the U.S. so it is very special in that sense. The reason it is called First Fill is because it is matured exclusively in the First Fill American Oak Casks. This is what gives them this extra flavor and character. For a normal 12 year old Glenlivet the old whisky barrels are used for maturation however with First Fill it is matured in brand new ones.
Vital Stats
The Glenlivet 12 year old First Fill Single Malt Scotch Whisky(Exclusive Edition)
Price- $49.99
Age- 12 year old
Category- Exclusive First Fill Edition
ABV- 43.2%
Region- Speyside
Awards won- None found
Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Golden amber
Aroma- Pleasant citrus aroma with vanilla,oak
Flavor- Smooth and silky flavor of oaks, creamy vanilla and marmalade
Finish- Very long and smooth. Taste of oak is lingering in the mouth for a long time.
SJ's Rating- Top Shelf
This delicious pour of liquid simply delighted me beyond surprise.It is the best I had so far in the Glenlivet product line. The new oak barrel gives this whisky so much character. Very warm, flavorful and aromatic. This is absolutely a must have because the flavor is so much more complex than its regular 12 year old counterpart which is matured in old barrels.
What First Fill whisky have you tried? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Always have a designated driver if you plan on drinking. As always Enjoy Responsibly. Cheer 🥃
Intriguing! I shall have to try it. I've yet to try any of the Glenlivet offerings so this will be a good one to start with. I find it interesting that, unlike the various double oak/wood/cask offerings out there that add aging in American Oak barrels to the traditional Spanish Oak aging, this one skips the Spanish Oak altogether and goes straight for the American whiskey market head on!
ReplyDeleteVery well said BA. Yes the whisky is directly filled in new American Oak Barrels. I had never paid attention to the condition of the barrel i.e. old or new until I tasted this whisky. The powerful aroma and flavor is pure heaven.
DeleteI know this is an all post, but I just had to comment. A friend was coming over and asking about Glenlivet. I told him to pick up the 15-French Oak Reserve, which is usually the Glenlivet I will go to if asked. He picked up the 12 First fill by mistake. I am blown away by this one. So surprised by it. The smell, the initial taste, and the lingering all make this one my new favorite (especially at the price point).
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes "What happens happens for the good". I am glad you enjoyed it so much. This bottle found its way to you. Glenlivet 12 First fill is my best one and like you I was amazed beyond belief. Have not tried French Oak Reserve but since you mentioned , I will keep it in my list to review.
DeleteHaven't tried 15 year French Oak. But does Glenlivet 12 have any spice to it? Its mostly fruity notes in my opinion.
ReplyDelete