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 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. I have information from a reliable source that April is Doomsday (or "Doomsmonth!") for the popular dram. Scotch with age statements is becoming increasingly rare as distilleries struggle to keep up with demand both at home and in emerging markets abroad. Try not to be too upset—there is still stock available if 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 later, we have the privilege of ushering in a new era of drams from the distinguished distillery. The new Nadurra range will comprise three expressions, each named after the wood that has had the greatest influence during maturation. The Oloroso is available now, and the First Fill will arrive at the end of the month. As I mentioned before, details of the third release remain under wraps.
For anyone new to the series (shame on you!), here's a quick rundown. The word "Nadurra" translates to "natural" from the ancient Gaelic tongue, representing the whisky-making process—the barley from the earth is soaked in granite-filtered water, timber hewn from mighty trees is carved into casks, and so forth. This simplistic yet elegant order of the natural world has heavily influenced the whisky distilled by The Glenlivet, which refers to it as "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, giving it a fuller body and a creamier mouthfeel—something fans of the series particularly enjoy. Of course, these expressions are all bottled at cask strength so that the unique flavour remains untouched.
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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 are 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.
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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!). These casks have been a popular choice at The Glenlivet since the beginning of the 1900s, imparting 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.