First Impressions
Glenlivet 12 is the textbook Speyside — fruity, floral, smooth and immediately welcoming.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 1824 by George Smith, The Glenlivet was the first distillery to be licensed under the new Excise Act, effectively legitimising single malt Scotch whisky. So many distilleries copied the name in the 19th century that 'Glenlivet' became a generic suffix until the courts ruled only George Smith's distillery could call itself 'THE Glenlivet'. Today it is one of the world's biggest-selling single malts, second only to Glenfiddich.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is bright and lifted — pineapple, ripe pear, vanilla cream and a soft floral note that's pure Speyside. The palate is smooth and approachable, with summer fruits, citrus zest, gentle vanilla and a light malty sweetness.
Verdict
An essential bottle. A flawless ambassador for the Speyside style.
