Frequently Asked Questions
Celebrate the heritage of Scotch whisky with The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Illicit Still Limited Edition, an exceptional Speyside single malt crafted to honor the distillery's origins. Bottled at an enhanced 48% ABV and non-chill filtered, this whisky delivers an authentic and full-bodied experience, embracing the bold spirit of early 19th-century illicit distillers. Its vibrant golden hue introduces an enticing nose of tropical aromas, featuring ripe pineapple, creamy vanilla fudge, and coconut. On the palate, indulgent flavors of peaches in syrup, poached pears, and soft caramel are complemented by a gentle spice. The finish is long, sweet, and remarkably smooth, making it a true toast to tradition and craftsmanship. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts seeking a limited-edition treasure with a rich backstory.
Process & Profile
Inspired by the illicit whisky-making practices of the early 1800s, The Glenlivet Illicit Still pays homage to George Smith, the distillery's visionary founder. Crafted using European and American oak barrels, this expression forgoes chill filtration, ensuring its natural complexity and robust texture. It showcases Glenlivet's signature fruity and floral Speyside style in a richer and more dynamic form compared to the standard 12-year-old offering. This special release is bottled at a higher proof of 48% ABV, delivering enhanced flavor clarity and mouthfeel.Tasting Notes
- Nose: Tropical, fresh, and summery aromas with ripe pineapple, vanilla fudge, and coconut charm the senses. Hints of peaches, plums, and green apples add depth.
- Palate: A delicate blend of poached pears, peaches in syrup, soft caramel, and nougat is elevated by warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. Subtle oaky bitterness balances the flavors.
- Finish: Exceptionally long, sweet, and smooth, with lingering notes of vanilla, pears, and a touch of roasted nuts.
What Makes It Special
The Glenlivet 12 Illicit Still celebrates the brand's heritage while pushing flavor boundaries. Key features include:- Non-Chill Filtration: Retains the whisky's natural oils, enhancing texture and flavor intensity.
- Higher ABV: At 48%, it delivers a bolder and more robust Glenlivet experience.
- Limited Edition: This unique release honors the clandestine origins of whisky-making in the Glenlivet Valley.
How to Enjoy
The Glenlivet Illicit Still is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:- Neat: Savor the whisky's unfiltered character for a bold and authentic experience.
- With Water: A splash of water smooths out its alcohol heat, enhancing the creamy mouthfeel and revealing hidden notes of honey and roasted chestnuts.
- In a Premium Cocktail: Use it to craft elevated whisky cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Whisky Sours to highlight its fruity and spiced undertones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still unique?
This limited edition whisky is bottled at a higher ABV of 48% and is non-chill filtered, which enhances its richness and boldness in flavor. Inspired by the distillery's origins in the 19th century, it pays homage to George Smith's illicit distilling methods, celebrating Speyside's iconic fruity and floral style.
What are the tasting notes for this whisky?
- **Aroma:** Tropical and fresh, with notes of ripe pineapple, vanilla fudge, and coconut. - **Palate:** Rich fruity flavors of peaches in syrup, poached pears, and soft caramel, balanced by spiced undertones of cloves and cinnamon. - **Finish:** Exceptionally long, sweet, and smooth.
Is The Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still different from the classic Glenlivet 12?
Yes, the Illicit Still version differs significantly in production and flavor profile. It is bottled at a higher 48% ABV (compared to 40% in the classic Glenlivet 12) and is not chill filtered, which retains more of its natural character and intensifies its flavors. Its flavor profile is richer and more complex, offering distinct notes of fruits, spices, and caramel.
What does “non-chill filtered” mean, and why is it significant?
Non-chill filtration means the whisky is not processed to remove cloudiness when served cold or over ice. This process preserves the whisky's natural oils and esters, delivering a fuller mouthfeel and more robust flavor.
How should this whisky be enjoyed for the best experience?
This whisky can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its bold flavors or with a dash of water to open up its aromas and soften the alcohol content. It also pairs well with a Glencairn glass to concentrate its aromas for a richer tasting experience.
Is The Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still a limited release?
Yes, this whisky is part of the limited-edition “Original Stories” series by The Glenlivet, celebrating the distillery's heritage. Each year, a new version of the Illicit Still is released, offering enthusiasts a unique tasting experience and collectible packaging.
What is the historical significance of the "Illicit Still" name?
The name refers to George Smith, the founder of The Glenlivet, who began distilling whisky illegally in handcrafted copper stills in the early 19th century. His methods laid the foundation for what became the signature Speyside style, and this whisky honors his trailblazing spirit.
What cask types are used for aging this whisky?
The Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still is matured in a combination of European and American oak barrels, which contribute to its rich, fruity, and spiced flavor profile.
What is the price point of this whisky?
The Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still typically retails at approximately $60 USD, depending on regional availability. It represents a modest premium over the classic Glenlivet 12 due to its unique production methods and limited release.
Is this whisky suitable for gifting?
Yes, the Glenlivet 12 Years Aged Illicit Still makes an excellent gift for whisky lovers, particularly those who appreciate historically-inspired releases or limited-edition collectibles. Its unique packaging and rich flavors are sure to impress.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
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