Glenlivet 21 yo The Sample Room Collection

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 43% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Three different cask types shape this single malt from the Sample Room Collection: after maturation, the whisky receives a finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, Cognac casks made from Tronçais oak and vintage Colheita port casks. These finishes combine The Glenlivet's soft, fruity house style with additional spice notes. Nutmeg and cinnamon in particular are associated with the influence of the Cognac casks.

The Sample Room Collection was introduced in 2022 with redesigned 21- and 25-year-old bottlings. Its name refers to the Sample Room, where the team explores different cask finishes and their flavour balance. Caramelised pear, sultanas and warming ginger are central to the 21-year-old whisky. The bottling contains 0.7 litres at 43% alcohol and is presented in a premium box.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, caramelised pears and juicy peaches meet cinnamon and nutmeg. Subtle supporting notes recall brown sugar, honeyed grain and toasted oak.
• Palate: On the palate, dried apricots and sultanas combine with chocolate-coated ginger. Dark berries complement the fruit and spice of the layered flavour.
• Finish: The long, smooth finish leaves lingering fruit and warming spices. Oak tannins add to the aftertaste.

Distillery/Bottler:

The Glenlivet is situated near Ballindalloch in Scotland's Speyside region. In 1824, George Smith became the first distiller in the parish of Glenlivet to obtain a distilling licence. Growing demand led to the construction of a larger distillery at Minmore in 1858, which remains the home of The Glenlivet today. The distillery now belongs to Chivas Brothers within Pernod Ricard.

A distinctive feature of production is the lantern-shaped copper stills, with their pinched middles and long, narrow necks. This shape encourages heavier vapours to condense and flow back into the still, contributing to a light, fruity spirit. Production water comes from Josie's Well; the distillery uses both Oregon pine and stainless steel vessels for fermentation. These methods underpin the house style, which the Sample Room Collection develops further through carefully chosen cask finishes.

Facts: