Single Malt Scotch Whisky Nàdurra Glenlivet Review And Tasting Notes
The Single Malt Scotch Whisky Nàdurra made by the Glenlivet distillery is a very elegant, compact, and sumptuous distillate, despite maintaining a remarkable gustatory tension and alcoholic strength.
It is not the classic “all herbs and beautiful unripe fruit” Glenlivet. No, this Nàdurra Glenlivet is a whole other symphony: warm, sumptuous, spicy, caramelized, with enveloping and biscuit malt charm that comes out of arrogance from a spicy and super fruity bas-relief. The alcohol content also reflects the craftsmanship of this single malt whiskey, produced in small batches to take care of every aspect of the distillate down to the smallest detail.
How is Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Nàdurra Glenlivet produced?
Nàdurra in Gaelic means natural because the methods used to produce this Scotch whiskey are those of the 1800s, old-style when whiskey was not too stylized a distillate. After a double distillation of a pure Hilandmalt wort from the Scottish Highlands, the dram ages 16 years in barrels used to produce Bourbon whiskey and then makes a final step in woods used to make Sherry.
No cold filtration and 60-degree bottling.
All these very classic passages lead to the birth of an exceptionally creamy, nutty whiskey rich in Bourbon-style pastry and salted caramel aromas.
Malt dominates, but the dress is American (Bourbonmaniac). Although a huge distillery like Glenlivet produced it, it is a small-batch, artisanal-cut whiskey.
The bouquet
Enveloping and sumptuous nose, soft and mellifluous, very rare for a Glenlivet, usually very herbaceous and pungent.
The fruit is riper and cooked than usual: candied oranges, baked apples, pears dipped in honey, and port wine; then comes the oxidized tones of Sherry, which adds a splendid medicinal charm.
The spices are there, and they are pungent pepper and nutmeg, but there is no lack of hints of rose and flowers, custard, and a dash of vanilla. The nose is very complex, but the Speyside malt is felt and dictates the rhythm. The makeup is stylish but pleasant and does not suffocate the malt.
The taste
Wide mouth, very peppery, spicy with tones of mint and wood that give structure and tannins to the sip. Despite being very warm and powerful on the palate, it has rhythm and development. It never stops; on the contrary, it gives you a couple of lashes of citrus freshness that play down. Wood, butter, honey, cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla dominate the long and penetrating finish. Despite being full and aromatic, it is enjoyable and transparent.
If you add a spoonful of water, it opens, lets floral scents emerge, and the gradation becomes more acceptable. Drunk at 60 degrees, it hits hard and anesthetizes the palate, and the spicy arrogance appears.
Aging of the Nàdurra Glenlivet
It has several years: it ages for at least 16 years in ex-Bourbon barrels.
Price
80 euros: relatively expensive, we are approaching the threshold of 100 euros, but it is worth it. It is an elegant, cheeky, and decisive whisky and deserves a taste. If you like rugged whisky, give it a try.
Cocktail to make
Rob Roy, Whiskey Sour, Rusty Nail.
Food Pairings
Chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, and creme brùlée. It should be served strictly without ice, at 18 degrees, at most, with a glass of fresh water as an accompaniment. Adding a spoonful of water helps make the distillate more pleasant and fragrant, but never water it down with ice!