Single Malt Excellence 12YO
⏳ Drinking Window
Ready to enjoy upon release, as distilled spirits do not age or improve further in the bottle. It will remain stable indefinitely when stored upright away from direct light.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Dark chocolate, blue cheese, roasted pork belly
✨ Technical Specifications
Nestled in the wild, isolated valley of the River Livet, the distillery's history is steeped in the lore of illicit distilling. Long before George Smith secured the first legal license in 1824, the glen was famed for producing a spirit of peerless quality, once favored by King George IV himself. The 'Excellence' 12 Year Old expression elevates the classic Speyside character by marrying the distillery's signature bright, floral, and orchard-fruit spirit—honed by lantern-shaped copper stills and mineral-rich water from Josie's Well—with a heavy maturation influence of ex-sherry casks. This imparts a rich, deep amber hue and layers of warm spice, honey, and dried fruits over the traditional green apple and pear notes.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1824 by George Smith in the remote Livet Valley, The Glenlivet was the first legal distillery established under the 1823 Excise Act in the parish of Glenlivet. Located high in Speyside, the distillery draws pure, mineral-rich water from Josie's Well, which contributes to a slow, controlled fermentation process. The distillery is famous for its distinctive lantern-shaped copper pot stills featuring long, narrow necks that promote extensive copper contact and high reflux. This architectural setup yields a remarkably light, ester-driven, floral spirit characterized by signature top notes of green apple, ripe pear, and summer orchard blossom. Maturation strategies range from classic American white oak bourbon casks to European oak sherry butts, French Limousin oak finishes, and exotic cask experiments like the Caribbean Reserve. Owned by Pernod Ricard under Chivas Brothers, The Glenlivet remains a global benchmark of the classic Speyside single malt tradition.
🍇 Base Material
Malted Barley
🍷 ABV
40%