Glenlivet Cipher

Just like the Glenlivet Alpha, the Glenliver Cipher is something of a mystery. It was launched in 2016 without any information about cask type or age (although I have heard 16 years mentioned left and right). Only the ABV was disclosed. It came with an app that was supposed to help you unlock its secrets. I’d rather do without the app if you don’t mind.

You may call this nose fruity without a doubt. Yellow fruit in a stew, with mango and passion fruit in the lead, as well as some dried variety like apricot and pineapple. Some citrus and a hint of banana. Some nuts and dried flowers. After a few moments, that is upholstered with some sniffing tobacco, ginger and soft caramel.

It is mouth coating, almost creamy. Very fruity again, with banana and oranges – no, strike that, it’s nectarine! – followed by pepper and nutmeg. This is quite pleasant. Mildly drying on ginger, pepper, cinnamon with some honey and herbal tea. Midpalate a bitter edge rears its head and the oak becomes quite loud.

The finish is medium long, drying and somewhat bitter on nuts and tannins.

A touch atypical for Glenlivet with the emphasis on herbs instead of fruit. Nice release, but a little to expensive for what you get.

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