GLENLIVET 17 Year Old 2006 Oloroso New Vibrations Signatory Vintage, 60.8% ABV

Signatory Vintage is a renowned independent bottler of Scotch whisky, established in 1988 by Andrew Symington. Unlike distilleries that produce their own whisky, Signatory Vintage selects and bottles unique casks from various distilleries across Scotland. This practice allows whisky enthusiasts to explore a diverse range of flavors and styles that might otherwise be unavailable. Each bottle is carefully curated, often featuring limited edition releases that highlight the distinct characteristics of individual casks and distilleries. Signatory Vintage is celebrated for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and the preservation of whisky heritage.

New Vibrations is a collection series by LMDW, in partnership with various producers and independent bottlers across different spirit categories. The series celebrates innovation and experimentation, crediting those who continue to push the boundaries of the spirit industry. Respectably and heartwarmingly, New Vibration focuses on both established distillers, producers and industry contributors, as well as young distilleries pioneering interesting ways to make spirits.

Glenlivet is one of the most famous and historic Scotch whisky distilleries, located in the Speyside region of Scotland. Founded in 1824 by George Smith, it was the first legal distillery in the Glenlivet parish after the Excise Act of 1823, which encouraged the licensing of distilleries. Glenlivet is known for its smooth and fruity single malt whiskies, often characterized by notes of vanilla, honey, and orchard fruits. The distillery has played a significant role in shaping the single malt Scotch whisky category and remains a benchmark for quality and consistency. Its flagship expression, The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, is particularly well-regarded and widely enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts around the world.

This Glenlivet 17 Year Old cask strength expression offers a different take of the distillery character together with cask craft.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep old gold. Nose: Fine, refined. Aromas of citrus and candied fruits (lemon, pear, plum, walnut) give way to a spicy aromatic palette (cardamom, star anise, nutmeg), chocolatey and hinting at cherry in eau-de-vie. Gradually, it reveals hints of malted barley.

Palate: Both vibrant and delicate. Also malted, the palate’s attack is both honeyed (lime blossom, heather), fruity (mirabelle plum), and tangy (orange marmalade). Luxuriant (iris, lily), the mid-palate is gradually covered by a fine layer of salted butter caramel.

Finish: Long, radiant. Speckled with chocolate chips, the beginning of the finish is refreshed by notes of candied lemon. Flavorful and indulgent (caramel cream, coffee eclair), the aftertaste is supported by a magnificent vegetal bitterness (gentian, ginger) and noble spices (cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg).

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!