ralfy review 814 - Glenlivet 12yo Double Oak @ 40%vol:

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[@DonnerPassWhisky]

This is what I see on the shelf now and the clerks say it's a repackaging of the basic Glenlivet 12. Found out 2 years ago that my mother was a Scotch drinker when I was very young (1960s) and always had a bottle of this that she would replace 2-3 times a year. She is 83 now and I keep her stocked with a bottle. Would love try one of those 1960 era bottles ! Cheers Ralfy

[@alexk3088]

Don't listen to clerks, they often know even less than "brand ambassadors" :)

[@judgeholden849]

@@alexk3088 they were actually correct, it was a repackaging.

[@MrVolt16]

Fans of Glenlivet should also definitely try the 12yo "first fill" edition. It's absolutely brilliant.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Definitely love a First Fill!

[@silverbackdp]

not as good as the original one..the grey box 12 yr single malt... its nice.. but not as good for me

[@philipsavage114]

The pleasure is all ours.

[@mred2709]

Very interesting Ralfy. I've been using Glenlivet 12 as a "reference point" for a while now. A lovely basic malt with no frills that allows me to get even more out of my higher end malts.

[@dimovalev]

What does the "basic malt" mean? I am quite surprised by the high mark, but obviously, there is something I am missing... Any info will be appreciated, thank you!

[@AlReyn]

I'm new to your channel but glad I've found you! Great to watch and really informative thank you

[@snail415]

Alan I’m a decade in. Subscribe, watch the oldies, and strap-in. You’re gonna learn a ton.

[@ic3105]

Ralfy would say: “Here you go - now you know”...lots to catch up with!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Enjoy the journey!

[@arctormanwhisky7627]

Hi there, Ralfy. I am a beginner/novice whisky enthusiast, having got the malt bug following a recent visit to Scotland. I have found this channel very accessible and informative - thank you!

[@robfut9954]

In the US I got this at 43% ABV. At that strength it holds up pretty well against the Illicit Still edition given how much cheaper it is. You can get a 1.75l giant bottle for $70-$80 here.

[@kevinb4946]

It really is a perfectly fine Scotch. And a $65 Australian it a staple in my cabinet. Letting it sit for a while seems to Harmonise the flavours for mind, very solid whiskey

[@yeetmachine1737]

In DK we regularly get it for 30 USD, sry I'm not familiar with the Aussie dollar exange

[@photosmithy]

I had the pleasure of going to the distillery back in 2014, lovely people, bought the 15yr and the Nadurra both left me feeling a bit disappointed.

[@lockhackle2645]

Funny , I bought a bottle of this a month or so maybe two and it was my first endeavor into trying the Glen and I must say I was impressed and glad to hear Ralfy give it an 85 on his grade. Keep up the great educational videos Ralfy..

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I bought a bottle not for myself, but for when I have people around who haven't had as much whisky as us malt-heads. But this review has made me have a second look at it and I drank it while watching this video. I can see what you mean about the fresh fruit basket. It's crazy when you drink along with someone and you know a few flavours are there, but can't pinpoint it. Then they put a spotlight on it and you get the 'ah-ha' moment. Good fun.

[@gamenut112]

I had my second dram of whisky on my birthday, 2 days ago now, Feb 29th. It was Glenlivet, i don't know if it was a 12 year old or some other variant of Glenlivet, it was my second time ordering whisky with a snifter glass and some water so i forgot to ask for the bottle type. But i definitely did pick up banana in there, I didn't get much else though. But i do have two, maybe three things. Glenlivet has some banana notes in there, or dried fruit of some kind, and it's lighter compared to glenfiddich which was my first proper whisky, and with glenfiddich i picked out some sort of oats or grains that i was able to spot but not able to accurately identify. But those are my experiences with whiskey so far, if i do get a bottle i'll probably get something like this that's a little easier to handle for me, starting out.

[@frankf5426]

Most accessible, smooth and easy to drink Scotch I've tried so far. Needs only a drop of water to open up and turns into a very enjoyable dram.

[@srowley85]

I had a it of this at a bar in California a few days ago, and really enjoyed it. Funny that your review comes right afterward.

[@andrewschuschu3499]

Found this for $35 at BJs in the states and couldn’t say no to that! Couldn’t be more excited to enjoy a quarantine with a bottle like this.

[@pezzonovante888]

I just bought some of this, and I really agree; the nose is fantastic. Would recommend.

[@mic982]

Ralfy, I'm a real whisky novice. I've tried exactly two Scotch single malts in the past 35 years, this one (Glen Livet 12) and one of your favs, Ardbeg 10. This one I kinda liked - had no problem drinking the bottle over a 2+ week period with help from my wife. But the Ardbeg which I tasted while watching your Ardbeg tasting I found unpalatable to my poor palate. It tasted just like burn't rubber. Now, I know I'm a novice and have a looooooong ways to go to learn about drinking and enjoying Scotch single malts. But I think I am one of those people who (when it's said you will either love a heated malt whisky or hate it) probably fall into the latter. Alas. I have a nearly full bottle of Ardbeg, minus three small tastings) and a totally empty Glen Livet 12. Alas. I won't give up yet, but... whew... Ardbeg 10 just did nothing to convince me to drink any more of it. This Glen Lives I liked. Love your reviews, Ralfy.

[@jppagetoo]

85 rating. I can get it for under $45 US. That's a great value for such a nice 12yo whiskey.

[@THEPHYSICALSPIRIT]

Ralfy, you're the best overall in content, whiskey knowledge and your channel always makes me want to knock a few back.

[@jigmelalung2885]

Ralfy, you should be made Lt. Governor of Isle of Mann. Thanks for enlightening us, reg whisk(e)ys, bourbon and other spirits. You are a noble soul.

[@tonybaldwinson8166]

Hello Ralfy. You have added a new dimension to my whisky drinking over the past 3 years(I am 72yrs old). I now have the confidence to buy more diverse whiskies and leave behind the supermarket offerings. I buy this whisky @40%, chill filtered, coloured ... but really enjoy it! Like you say it is worth Malt Mark of 85 to me. However, I also buy Glendronach Revival 15 yrs old and that has a Malt Mark of 83. Would you mind telling me how the Glendronach has a lower score (non-chill filtered, no added colour, 46%ABV) than the Glenlivet 12? Many thanks. Tony B.

[@jrichardson6]

Yes agreed. I got a bottle today the nose is the best.The drinking is also good . I do a lot of carpentry using hard and softwoods I would say the oak flavour reminds me of American white oak with no toasted slightly nutty overtones . The oak is quite bland and recognisable. It is worth the 26£ I paid and I would buy again ..probably 😉

[@James-oo1yq]

We've actually been getting more sunlight daily since Xmas. It's strange how people think Jan-Feb are the darkest months, although the weather the last fortnight has been horrid!

[@alyr9640]

Happy Malty Monday Dear Sir!

[@hookahb8299]

I just stumbled by here for the first time..Excellent review, and this being one of my favorite drinks to enjoy..I think your description perfectly embodies this delicious offering..Here in Tennessee we have so many local makers of wonderful Whiskys, and Sour Mashes to choose from, and i enjoy most all of them..However the Glenlevit Single Malt is just so delicious, and pleasing to the nose it rises above all the other ways to delight the palate..I do not add a splash of water, but instead i add 1 ice cube, and let it sit for a few minutes, and then enjoy..Cheers!!!

[@ericdollar6082]

Thanks for the review. This is a really good value in my area. Can get it for $32 USD at Hyperdales. Good scotch for a good price.

[@imdartson3679]

Oh man, its $50 here.

[@frankcarter6427]

in my new, somewhat straitened, circumstances, my xmas scotch is a bottle of this purchased today in waitrose for 20 odd quid. very pleasantly surprised and what a bargain!! slainte x

[@ianmccord252]

Great review. I picked this up from my local market in the states and was very pleasantly surprised by how good this was for the price.

[@darkoanton5]

I bought the Founder's Reserve and I agree with you. It wasn't good at all. I end up using in my rusty nail cocktails.

[@darrenpellichino2923]

Just because it's massively available doesn't mean it's not a quality single malt. BTW Glenlivet 12 just showed up at our Walgreen's for 35$. That's a great price for 12yr aged single malt. Thanks for the non biased review, alla nostra salute!

[@Aged_Whiskey]

This whiskey is really good for the price around 40$ here

[@2oleaves843]

I just bought this bottle last month and i was looking for a good review on it. Im glad to see you gave it a good score Ralfy. My costco was stocked up on the double oaked version.

[@chrispreston362]

Sitting here enjoying a glass of the 12yo Illicit Stills - a cracker. Ok it’s the colour of Tizer but 48% and ncf for about £40, oh and a bit easier to find than Springbank 10!

[@jefferychartier2536]

great review my malty expressive taste detective! Thanks for shearing.

[@hankbankster9700]

I skipped this and got myself the Illicit still (integrity bottling and with a nice, higher strength) and a 2007 bottling (43%) or their 18 year old. They can keep their 40%, chill-filtered lines.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

It was a meh for me. I like the regular 12 better, but it wasn't a bad price and came with a couple of samples of older stuff

[@franklempka6686]

The 15 and the 18 are my favorites of Glen Livet !

[@HerbertDuckshort]

Malt Mention!!!!!! Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!

[@AndyCigars]

Welcome to the club of Malt Mates Who Had Their Malt Mention Mentioned! :)

[@HerbertDuckshort]

Andy Cigars Thank you. I feel special 😀

[@darrylcalder]

I really value a good nose, I will smell a whiskey longer than I will leave it in my mouth. Tomatin legacy is another affordable one with a great nose.

[@VoxGothica]

This one was not to my tastes, it seemed thin and hot. I’ve taken to blending it with some Auchentoshan Valinch, which seems to bring out the best in both whiskies. I reckon any cask strength bourbon matured whisky would work.

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Hi Ralfy. I good solid review informing me that the dominant flavour notes are from American Oak casks. You don't say however if you think they these are Charred Virgin Oak or Ex-Bourbon. The official website states "this classic malt is first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks "What we can extract from this is that we are not talking about two cask types married together and bottled as a "Double Oak" but some kind of finishing, where the spirit has spent time in one type of cask and then is poured into different casks for further maturation before bottling. In my opinion, the current allowed oak and cask statement policy statements regulations need to be totally overhauled. We have a situation today where a whisky company is legally not allowed to tell us on the label, the exact breakdown of casks used and how long the spirit was maturing in each of these cask type. When Compass Box tried this they were quickly censored! However, you are allowed to get away with using potentially disingenuous terms like "Traditional Oak" Cask or "European Oak" or "European Casks". Why are they allowed to get away with using terms which effectively are meaningless??? What do these terms actually mean and what, from a marketing point of view, do they want us to think what they mean? Does the term traditional mean the type of cask which is the most popular in the Scottish Whisky industry?, That would be Ex-Bourbon American Oak cask. Or do they mean traditional as in back in the good old days, when most casks were Spanish Ex-Sherry casks? Does the term European Oak cask actually mean something specific at all? I would say no! It is a fact that the vast majority of casks made in Spain today are actually made from American White Oak, either grown in Europe or imported from the United States. So, do they mean European as in actual native European QR oak or do they mean oak grown in Europe which is problably American Oak? Are these tradional oak casks new-virgin charred oak casks or are they Ex-Sherry or Ex-Bourbon? We don't know because they don't say. It gets even worse. Distilleries are now using the terms "American Oak cask" and even "Ex-Bourbon Cask" which would imply a certain flavour profile when in fact, these casks haev had the STR treatement, that is, they have been shavesd back, recharred and seasoned with sherry!!!! Why are they allowed to get away this stuff? (I could go on but you ge my drift...)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Totally agree with you, and I don't contact the producers for information as I don't expect accurate answers. In Glenlivets case, I think they use ex-bourbon filled casks as the usual sappy notes of virgin oak casks are missing, However, bourbon casks can be 'seasoned' just like sherry casks and they never mention this.

[@Malt454]

They're allowed to get away with such terms BECAUSE they're meaningless - what, exactly, is the "legal" definition of "small batch" or "single cask", even though you see them on labels all the time? When a term has no real definition, its legal meaning can't be violated, so it's just whatever the producer wants to say it is. It's Cardhu "pure malt" all over again. As Compass Box found out with age information, the big players in the SWA have no interest in seeing such laws reformed. People "want" more, and better, product information but, when you tell them that they might have to reject things like NAS marketing on the shelf and at the checkout to get it, that's usually far too much trouble and bother. Given how easily led and lethargic they are, the average whisky consumer currently has a better whisky market then they actually deserve. As consumers, we've really made the market what it is by buying into transparent industry nonsense, with the net effect that, when we occasionally wake up and see it's not really being run for our benefit, we get upset... until we forgive the industry and fall asleep again. Things probably won't change until we help to change them... which probably means they won't be changed.

[@Jasonkarl12]

Just found your channel. New subscriber. One year into my whisky adventure. I’ll be tasting my first dram of Glenlivet 12 along with you. Thanks for the nose and tasting notes!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to share !

[@meeusmeeus]

If you want to take it up a notch (and you can find a bottle) you should try the Glenlivets 12 (2007) bottled by Signatory: 46%, unchillfiltered, natural color, sherry matured... delicious stuff both smell and taste!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . that, is a very good idea !

[@marcwhiskey]

Thank you for the good review! I'll keep an eye out for this one!

[@whiskyapocalypse8144]

This time of year scunners me, I can't get out for proper walks because it's so shit out, I don't mind the cold it's the driving bastard rain and wind.

[@Shane4Bass]

In all honesty, I think the new Glenvivet 12 is better than the previous version that if I am not mistaken, was discontinued for a while for their NAS bottle.

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

I picked up a bottle of Glenlivet 12, illicit still, non chill filtered, have you tried this one, have not found it in your inventory?? I realize this review is a bit old, same distillery, different product. Ralfy you have made waves in the US spirit market, have been enjoying several top shelf Bourbons, that are Non chill filtered, bless you!!

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

I'm really enjoying this double oak Glenlivet 12, out performs Glenfiddich 12 hands down. Just imagine how much nicer it would be if? If they did NOT Chill filter, then imagine it as natural colour?? Then imagine how superior it would be if the ABV was above 40% ABV. Why do really good distilleries cut their products so short & add an extra expense to the manufacturing process?? Why?

[@Tracks777]

lovely content

[@kalebjohnson3690]

I need him to say "onions have layers"

[@dakkarocka]

Holy shit i've been looking for this channel. Finally!

[@ujwalgupta86]

I just love this.. Everybody should savor this

[@Aged_Whiskey]

Just got a bottle of this yesturday was the old green bottle was super suprised

[@scottmerkle2832]

Not a bad score, but just think what it might have been as an integrity malt offering.

[@SC-lo5ez]

I would rely on your positive comment Ralfy rather than your note. 85 ? A bit low even for a “basic” malt. My personal thought.

[@Boxer1250RT]

Great sipping whiskey!

[@seasunandchiliesm4095]

Such a great malt very very good love it !

[@onggia850]

I'm kinda excited for the Extras

[@Rickky007]

My girlfriend got me this bottle this last Friday .

[@aleksanderk6765]

thanks for yet another good review

[@tomzhangus]

My favorite scotch/liquor.

[@ericgilbert8114]

I will give the Founder's Reserve it's due. It got Glenlivet to improve it's wood policy quickly when it wouldn't sell.

[@alexk3088]

Interesting. I knew I'd never buy it but when I saw it on a friend's bar, I took the opportunity to try it. I like Glenlivet 12, it got me into sipping spirits. Founder's Reserve was shameful! Rough and hot with no interest to redeem itself. And I like difficult whiskies. I can't say it turned me off Glenlivet (it's a 40% mixing NAS) but I haven't tried any new 'livets in a while, nice to know that they seem to be improving/innovating.

[@ericgilbert8114]

Glenlivet 12 tasted like stainless steel before the release of Founder Reserve. I'm pretty sure Founders Reserve was bottled stock from overused casks and brought in better casks to age new distillate

[@riheg]

I wonder what kind of casks they mean by European oak and where they are from. I assume it’s not ex sherry casks since they don’t mention it. Anyway I got this for 24£ and really like it, sometimes it’s nice to relax with more simple flavors, back to Springbank soon.

[@newtypehuman]

Please review glenlivet nadurra first fill

[@DanielCruz-tn5jg]

I love this video. thank you for making my glenlivet experience so much fun and informative!

[@erichieger7386]

Great video! Will someone please explain the addition of water? Thanks in advance from a total newbie.

[@Gatopardo1984]

Dear Ralfy, I would love you to review a good old vintage Glenrothes that makes justice to that distillery. If my memory does not fail me, you have only review a OB single cask and another IB. Please try before it would be too late and Edrington erase all the legacy of this great distillery. Thanks!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I suspect your right about Edringtons plans.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Cheers...

[@ColinOlden1]

Wee bit harsh on the founders reserve there Ralfy, but aye the 12 is nice

[@SaltyCuban]

Question for Ralf. Do you believe cask strength or high abv scotches retain their flavor for much longer AFTER opened, even when not gassed?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes, more alcohol, more flavour retention.

[@SaltyCuban]

ralfydotcom I am noticing my purchases gravitating more towards the higher abv scotches in the last year. Just purchased two Bunnahabhain Moine Bourdeaux ,Tamdhu Sherry cask strength batch 3, and off of your recommendation : Edradour 12 sherry CS 2006.

[@Flatpickmastery]

25 dollars at Costco in America

[@yoda1934]

I had a glass while watching

[@willemkilian9563]

Agree with you on the nose!

[@BakiSmaki27]

I love the nose on this. More so than the taste IMHO.

[@hondarider100r]

This stuff is smooth!!

[@WhiskyResource]

While it is a lovely whisky, the distillery aren’t particularly forthcoming with details on their website; the product page doesn’t even make reference to the ABV let alone other important facts like chill filtration or added colour; I would go as far as saying their page is all flannel. This is one of those whiskies, I do enjoy, but wish was presented at a higher abv and from the cask without unnecessary fiddling to reveal its true potential.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . "all flannel" is the way too many producers address customer curiosity !

[@ledoux08]

I've never tried The Glenlivet before. Is this the same stuff as the original in the grey box? Walmart has the grey box for 40+ but Costco has the double oak for less than 30. Thanks for taking the time to do your reviews.

[@ledoux08]

@Schwer Dunkel thanks for the reply. That was the push I needed to just grab the double oak.

[@davidowen2834]

Is this a new glenlivet 12? I think this is matured in American & European oak where as the normal 12 is matured only in ex bourbon casks.

[@peterguldagerdahl3471]

Bought a bottle of this before Christmas on sale. It was hugely discounted and came with two dusty, filthy glasses that I threw out immediately. The whisky was not memorable. On a scale from 80 to 100, I'd say my first encounter with Glenlivet was a solid meh.

[@stu356]

You could have washed the glasses to save on pointless landflll...

[@stevenspmd]

Nom .. Nom .. .Tasty Whisky ... I like this with alone or wth sadly with orange juice .. I know the horror :-) .. The nose of this is amazing .. like sweet and heavenly cigar smoke

[@danielwisniewski4005]

I wanna hear what you think about this particular whisky, but my eye keeps getting drawn to the sword in the corner.

[@StandbyCymbalist]

Wow, this is good.

[@danielgregory16]

Does anyone know if its safe to store silica gel in whisky boxes to prevent moulding in the package ?

[@xavierrobalino2807]

Ralfy, is the Glenlivet still one of the component Malts that make the 12 year old Chivas Regal?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . Don't know for sure, but it is a 'strategic' malt in the Company who ownes Chivas.

[@noelj10]

Hello Ralfy. Love the reviews. I recently bought a bottle of Glenlivet 12 yo Illicit stills. It's 48% abv and unchilled filtered. Will you be reviewing this one?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . on the List !

[@paulhoffman4712]

I hope Ralphy is okay I missed his xtras today

[@traviceo1075]

Hello Malty Majestical Maltocratic Monarchs of Maltopia

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Ralfy. Your book which I ordered some time ago for the second time, (the first one got lost in the post so there is probably some postal worker enjoying your book as well), finally arrived here in Israel. Looking forward to diving in..

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . sorry to hear that the first book went walk-about ! Thanks for giving it a second purchase ! I hope you have a good read, with a dram.

[@stephenkennedy2075]

Hi Ralfy. Do you think you'll ever do a Glenlivet 25 review?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not at £350 a bottle, too expensive.

[@Tracks777]

nice content

[@andyhepburn6855]

You need Vitamin D supplements through winter if you feel like that

[@petritibishi5559]

Good whiskey

[@scotchgod8478]

An honourable mention, but I think we're too spoiled for stuff like this meanwhile. 85p sounds a bit over the top in my book.

[@samkitto010]

Not available in Australia sad

[@paulhoffman4712]

Try the

[@edarkly]

It is now 😊

[@ziofanale3853]

A question: have you ever tasted some Italian grappa?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . reviews in tha archives !

[@lutzschumacher5891]

The price jumped by 20% since the review 😥

[@firstfill5072]

Is this going to be a limited release or part of the core range ?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . The Distillery are the one's to ask !

[@stingfan24]

I think this is part of the core range. Very widely available.

[@hotdude4u007]

He missed the main point this Glenilet 12 yrs single malt is no more in market and company has stopped its production. And reintroduced it in new packaging as 12 yrs Double Oak.

[@swedishburrito5073]

👍❤️🥃

[@elie6769]

85/100 decent but watered down

[@AlcoFeel]

Воооу! То что надо на ночь) у меня кст на канале тоже есть обзоры на виски)