Glenlivet 1983/2003 Cellar Collection 20 år Single Speyside Malt Whisky 46%

Some casks the distillery never forgets. A few remain in the warehouse year after year, while the rest of the vintage is sold and drunk, until they are finally ready to earn a chapter of their own. Glenlivet 1983 is one of those casks.

Expert Description

Glenlivet 1983/2003 Cellar Collection 20 Year Old is a Single Speyside Malt Whisky, matured in French Limousin oak and bottled at 46%.

The whisky was distilled in 1983 and drawn from the cask again in 2003 as part of The Glenlivet's Cellar Collection, a series in which the distillery's management selected casks that show the house's classic style in a more mature and complex form. French Limousin oak is a deliberate choice, distinct from the American and Spanish oak the whisky is usually matured in, and it lends the bottle a note of spice and a tighter wood character than one usually associates with Glenlivet. The whisky is bottled without chill filtration, preserving its natural oils and structure.

After 20 years, the light, fruity style Glenlivet is known for has had time to develop into something deeper, without losing the freshness that defines the distillery.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Ripe pears and green apples meet honey and vanilla, with a hint of citrus and a light spiced undertone from the Limousin oak.

Palate

Round and full with tropical fruit, malt and toffee, where the long maturation gives a creamy texture and a subtle balance between sweetness and spice.

Finish

Long and elegant with oak, dried fruit and a discreet nutty tone.

Specifications

Name: Cellar Collection 20 Year Old
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Speyside Malt Whisky
Age: 20 Years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: French Limousin oak
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Distilled: 1983
Bottled: 2003
EAN: 5000299281123

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Sherry-matured · Spiced · Creamy

Investment Potential

Medium. Cellar Collection is a discontinued series from Glenlivet, and releases matured in Limousin oak are rarely seen today, giving them growing status among collectors of older Glenlivet expressions.

Did You Know?

The casks for the Cellar Collection were personally selected by then distillery manager Jim Cryle, who led The Glenlivet through much of the 1980s and 1990s and was behind several of the distillery's most acclaimed experiments with French oak.

See our full range of The Glenlivet

Frequently Asked Questions about Glenlivet 1983/2003 Cellar Collection 20 Year Old

What makes the Cellar Collection special?

The series brings together casks that the distillery's management judged to be unusually fine representations of the house style. This bottle is matured in French Limousin oak, used far less often than American or Spanish oak, giving the whisky a distinct character of its own.

Why is this whisky bottled without chill filtration?

Skipping chill filtration preserves the natural oils from the cask and the malt, giving a fuller mouthfeel and a more authentic expression of the whisky as it was in the cask.

Is this whisky worth the money?

Cellar Collection is a discontinued series, and 20 year old Glenlivet releases matured in French oak casks are rare today, making the bottle interesting for both collectors and enthusiasts wanting a different side of the distillery's style.

Should Glenlivet 1983 be enjoyed neat or with water?

Try it without any addition first to experience the full character of the cask. A few drops of water can then open up the fruity and spiced notes further.

Does this whisky make a good gift?

With its age, its discontinued status and its history within a named series, it's a fitting choice for a recipient who already knows and appreciates Glenlivet's classic style.

What defines Glenlivet's style in general?

Glenlivet is known for a light, fruity and floral character that sets it apart from the heavier, more sherry-driven neighbours in Speyside. This 20 year old expression shows the same light style, only developed into a deeper and more complex form.