We’re familiar with the Glenlivet range of products and the changes in the line up such as the introduction of Glenlivet Founders Reserve and the (seems to be temporary) pull of Glenlivet 12 year old from certain markets to ease the pressure on matured stocks.

But some special yet official Glenlivet has popped up late in January in a certain ‘hot’ whisky market – A sherried 13 Year Old Glenlivet was released exclusively for Taiwan market.

Thanks to a friend, I was fortunate enough to get a bottle and check out how a 40% and chill-filtered sherried Glenlivet tastes like.

Glenlivet 13 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured (40%, Taiwan Market)

Nose: Soft nose, dried dark berries, slightly caramelized, brown sugar, dark chocolate, plums compote, heavily sweetened black coffee with cardamon. After a few minutes there’s dark chocolate and coffee with a bit of dried fruit, sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate: Watery (damn the 40% and CF), sweet dried fruit followed by chocolate, fresh ground coffee and sweetened black coffee, dry spices and oak spices.

Finish: Short-medium length, lingering sweet coffee and dark chocolate.

Nose: It is nice. Nose is great but it falters on the palate and finish “thanks” to the low ABV and probable chill-filtering. I think that even at 43% without CF it would be a great whisky, but even so it’s a nice whisky to sip and enjoy.