Years ago, back in 2005, Glenlivet released their first Nàdurra whisky (Nàdurra being the Gaelic for ‘natural’), which was aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon casks and it immediately went on to being one smashing hit. No wonder as I’ve tasted it numerous times in the past (although I never reviewed it here) and I can tell you it’s a great whisky.

But now, Nàdurra is 9 years old and it’s time for a new baby in the family – The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso, which was released in May.

The name says it all – it’s matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks but unlike it’s older sibling, there’s no age statement on it (AKA NAS), which probably means it have some very young whisky in it.

Right now, it’s available through travel retail shops only (same way as the original Nadurra) and eventually a cask strength version will be available in normal stores.

The first batch is out and is coded OLO314 (Oloroso, bottled 03/14 I assume) and I got a sample to taste thanks to the work of 2 fellow citizens. Let’s see how this one stack up to the older sibling:

Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso Batch OLO314 48%

Nose: Lots of sherry notes with raisins, english cake with dried fruits, breeze of green apples, sweet banana, vanilla, it’s a young whisky as there’re lots of new make spirit notes.

Palate: Starts with big oak note, raisins and red berries represents the sherry here, lots of wood spices, weak whiffs of nutmeg, cinnamon.

Finish: Medium-short length with lots of oak, semi-dry sherry and spices.

Conclusion: Hmm.. I’m a bit disappointed. Following my great experience with the ex-bourbon Nadurra (which is 16 year old mind you!), I expected much more of this one – it definitely doesn’t stand up to the bar it’s older sibling set. But maybe the forthcoming Sep/Oct cask strength version will save it.