Out With The Old In With The New - Glenlivet Distillery

We have some exciting news regarding several new expressions of Nadurra from The Glenlivet. One is available to purchase now with another being released at the end of February. There will be a third expression released later this year but I have been sworn to secrecy about that for the time being! Now for the bad news; the popular Nadurra 16 year old will soon be no more and I have information from a reliable source that April is Doomsday (or Doomsmonth!") for the popular dram. Scotch with age statements are becoming an increasing thing of the past as distilleries struggle to keep up with demand both at home and in emerging markets abroad. Try not to be too upset though as we still have stock for sale if you decide you want to create a stockpile!

The Glenlivet launched Nadurra in 2004, a non chill-filtered single malt whisky that stayed true to the style of spirit enjoyed in the 19th century. Eleven years after all you fine single malt connoisseurs first (hopefully!) experienced that phenomenon, we have the privilege of ushering in a new era of drams from the distinguished distillery. The new Nadurra range will comprise of three expressions, each named after the wood that has imparted the greatest influence during the maturation process. The Oloroso is available now and the First Fill will soon be with us at the end of the month. As I mentioned before, details of the third are under wraps for now.

For anyone who is new to the series (shame on you!), here's a quick run down for you. The word 'Nadurra' translates to 'natural' from the ancient Gaelic tongue and is representative of the whisky making process; the barley from the earth is soaked in granite filtered water, timber hewn from mighty trees is carved into casks, etc. It is the simplistic yet elegant order the natural world that has had a heavy influence on the whisky being distilled. The Glenlivet refer to this as having created "a whisky of smooth-flowing purity".

The liquid itself is created in small batches using traditional techniques from the 1800s and is un chill-filtered; this gives the whisky a fuller body and a creamier mouth feel that fans of the series are very fond of. Of course, these expressions are all bottled at cask strength so that the unique flavour is in no way altered.

THE GLENLIVET NADURRA OLOROSO CASK
This whisky has been matured exclusively in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks from the Jerez region of Spain; the most highly prized and sought after casks used by whisky makers. First fill Oloroso sherry casks have long been famed for imparting wonderfully rich, luxurious flavours of dried fruit and warm spices to single malt whisky.

COLOUR: Bright Gold
NOSE: A medley of dried fruit aromas, raisins and apricots, with gentle notes of cinnamon and liquorice.
PALATE: Smooth and creamy  with the fruitiness of spiced orange marmalade and hints of rich dark chocolate.
FINISH: Long and sweet leading to a dry and slightly spicy finish.


THE GLENLIVET NADURRA FIRST FILL
This whisky is drawn from barrels made from American White Oak that have never before been used to mature Scotch (or anything else for that matter!). The casks have been a popular choice at The Glenlivet since the beginning of the 1900's and imparts a lovely hint of creamy vanilla to the whisky.

COLOUR: Light Gold
NOSE: An enticing mix of soft vanilla fudge notes and sweet ripe pears.
PALATE: A tantalisingly tropical mix of juicy pineapple and ripe banana with a citrus undertone.
FINISH: Medium and refreshing.