Back in the day, when I still was innocent and unspoiled I bought a bottle of this at De Whiskykoning. I absolutely loved it, the fruitiness, the fierceness, the differentiation of what Glenlivet was known for. The entire package spoke to me.

Of course, we’re 17 years further down the line and I have had the possibility to taste many fine drams over the years. One cannot help but wonder if this still holds up. Of course one can, but this one cannot.

So, when a bottle bubbled up from the same shop’s warehouse, I instantly pounced on it and did a bottle share with it. I just had to try it, and spread the love around a little bit (hopefully).

Sniff:
Light but strong. Amazingly fruity with all kinds of yellow and orange stuff. Fresh orange, crispy apple, star fruit and pineapple. Some notes of barley and a whiff of peppermint. A sweet note of icing sugar.

Sip:
The palate, even though it sits almost at 60% alcohol, starts rather gently. Give it a second or ten though, and the heat starts building, and building. Still very fruity and light, but slightly more sweet than it was on the nose. Moving away from crisp notes of star fruit and more toward a banana. Notes of tinned pineapple, some orange and apple remain.

Swallow:
The finish leaves a burning sensation on your tongue, with fruity notes and some sweet vanilla and icing sugar. Banana, tinned pineapple, apple. Quite lovely.

As said, when this came out it was a belter. A decade and a half later, and being ridiculously spoiled in the meantime, it still is. This one was, and is, punching way above its price point.

Now, if anyone has a bottle or so available and wants to part with it, please send me a message!

89/100