The reviewed sample is from a friend. I do not know how long the bottle has been opened.
Nose: rich ripe and sweet apple and pear, almost baked apple and pear; a hint of wine and grapes, lush, and very attractive; like a delicious mature, old and refined version of Glenmorangie Original. There is firm but soft, sweet, and very clean oak also present in the nose
Taste: all of those flavours translate from the nose, with the grape and wine flavours being stronger on the palate than in the nose; this is quite sweet on the palate. Wonderful
Finish: all of the component parts hold together very well for a long strong finish. This finishes on a very sweet warm glow, which gently fades away
Balance: for me this is a very impressive whisky, and one I enjoy immensely. This is the sort of whisky for the fireside after dinner on a chilly evening. The balance moves toward the sweet side, but not so much as to be objectionable. The balance between the fruity barley flavours and the wood flavours is quite good. If this were not a bit pricey I would already have bought a bottle of this Glenlivet 21 yo Archive for myself
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