Glenlivet 15 år French Oak Single Speyside Malt Whisky 40%

French oak is rarely The Glenlivet's first choice, but when the distillery reaches for it anyway, the result is worth the 15 year wait.

Expert Description

Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak is a Single Speyside Malt Whisky, matured for 15 years and bottled at 40%.

The whisky belonged to The Glenlivet's former age-statement range, where the 15 year old expression stood out for its use of French oak in maturation, instead of the American oak that otherwise dominates the distillery's range. The French oak lends the whisky a drier, more spiced structure that balances the soft, fruity character The Glenlivet is known for.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Floral and light, with ripe apples and a hint of honey, where the French oak contributes a dry, spiced undertone.

Palate

Round and balanced with pears and vanilla, where the oak's spice offers a counterpoint to the natural sweetness.

Finish

Medium length and dry, with a final hint of oak and honey.

Specifications

Name: 15 Year Old French Oak
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Speyside Malt Whisky
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: French oak
Non-chill filtered: No
Natural colour: No
EAN: 5000299295021

Flavour Profile

Floral · Fruity · Spiced · Soft

Did You Know?

French oak is used far more often for wine maturation than for whisky, and The Glenlivet's 15 Year Old French Oak is one of the relatively few Scotch single malts to have made this cask type a deliberate stylistic choice.

See our full range of The Glenlivet

Frequently Asked Questions about Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak

What makes French Oak different from other Glenlivet releases?

The cask type is French oak instead of the American oak the distillery most often uses. This gives the whisky a drier and more spiced structure that sets it apart from the rest of the core range.

Is this whisky worth the money?

With its unusual cask type and 15 years of maturation, it offers a different side of The Glenlivet's style, interesting for whisky drinkers who already know the distillery's more classic releases.

Should French Oak be enjoyed neat or on ice?

Neat in a nosing glass gets you the most from the French oak's spiced character, but a single ice cube can also work well for a relaxed evening.

Does this whisky make a good gift?

Its approachable 40% style combined with the slightly different cask profile makes it a good gift for a recipient who already knows and enjoys Glenlivet's core character.

How does French oak differ from American oak in flavour?

French oak typically gives a drier, more spiced and tannic character, while American oak most often adds more vanilla and coconut. In this whisky, the difference shows most clearly in the dry, spiced finish.

What defines The Glenlivet's 15 year old releases in general?

They build on the distillery's light, floral base character, but with extra depth from the longer maturation time compared with the core range's younger expressions.