Glenlivet 28 2024 50.1% The Fine Art of Whisky, WB270207

Another old school whisky. What can we expect? Pure inspiration. We live in a different time with different bottlings. So-called modern whiskies, spirits are distilled too quickly because time is money, filling strength is higher now than it used to be because interaction with the wood is quicker then, casks are artificially heated because maturation is accelerated then, first-fill casks are very wet, etc. And this one? Slow and long maturing, the complete opposite, ok, it's Glenlivet, but a different one.

Nose: Very elegant, herbs, powdered sugar, toffee, white chocolate, some Earl Grey, floral like white tea. Now sweet, creamy East Frisian tea with lots of cream and rock candy. Oregano, basil and a B minor aria in the background. The longer the infusion is left, the sweeter it becomes, but the character varies. Sometimes nougat, sometimes Raffaello, cream sweets or halva, ahoibrause or Haribo Tutti Frutti, paradise apples or toasted almonds.

Taste: Herbs, nutmeg, cinnamon. The sweetness is shy and still hiding, but wants to be poetically lured out. Don't be afraid, everything will be fine, come out and be brave. Be proud, you deserve it, a little chilli and a flood of flavours. A little bitter almond, grapefruit seeds, a few drops of water, a slight change. Nuts but not sweet kisses, depth and mature nobility.

Finish: Long and persistent, slightly oily, alcoholic, black tea and sesame, tahini, slightly toasted. Pure poetry, almost haikuish.

92/91/90