How to Drink Glenlivet

Last Updated on: 13th April 2024, 01:27 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Glenlivet: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this smooth and easy-drinking Single Malt.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best Enjoyed Neat: Glenlivet is best savored neat to fully appreciate its delicate and smooth flavors, suggests whisky expert Neil Coleman.
• Adding Water: Add water carefully to Glenlivet 12, as it’s already low in alcohol content (80 proof). A single drop at a time is recommended to avoid diluting its flavor.
• Chilling Options: Ice can chill Glenlivet but may not enhance flavor. Whiskey stones are an alternative to cool the drink without dilution.
• Glassware: The Glencairn glass is optimal for Glenlivet, enhancing the whiskey’s aroma and taste through its tulip shape and tapered mouth. A whiskey rocks glass is also suitable.
• Tasting Notes: Glenlivet 12 offers a palate of creamy vanilla and subtle fruitiness, with a finish that includes sweet honey and vanilla. It starts with an aroma of toasted grains, honey, and pear.
• Cocktails: While Glenlivet can be used in cocktails, its smoothness and price might make it less ideal compared to more budget-friendly options. Possible cocktails include the Scotch Sour, Scotch Highball, and Old Fashioned.
• Food Pairings: Pairs well with mild cheeses, dark chocolate, grilled seafood, roasted chicken, and nuts, complementing its fruity and nutty profile.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Glenlivet

“Glenlivet is best enjoyed neat. It’s a whisky that’s devoid of harsh or complicated notes, making it one of the smoothest Scotch whiskies available. When you sip it neat, you can truly appreciate its delicate flavors.” suggests Scotch expert Neil Coleman.

Add water with care

While Glenlivet 12 is a smooth whisky, it’s bottled at 80 proof, which is relatively low in alcohol content.

When adding water, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive water can dilute the flavor.

It’s best to add just one drop at a time, allowing you to tailor the whisky to your taste.

Should Glenlivet be chilled?

Adding ice to Glenlivet 12 is acceptable if you prefer your whisky chilled.

However, keep in mind that ice will simply lower the temperature of the drink without enhancing the flavor.

For the full Glenlivet 12 experience, consider enjoying it neat or with a touch of water, or add a set of whiskey stones that will chill the drink without diluting it.

Choosing the Right Glassware

When it comes to savoring Glenlivet 12, selecting the right glass is essential for enhancing your tasting experience.

The two standout choices are the Glencairn glass and the whiskey rocks glass, both with their merits.

The Glencairn glass is often considered the optimal choice for enjoying single malt Scotch whisky, here’s why:

1. Shape Matters: The Glencairn glass boasts a tulip-shaped design with a tapered mouth, which concentrates the whisky’s aromas. This shape allows you to fully appreciate the delightful scents that Glenmorangie 10 has to offer.
2. Ergonomic Design: Its elegant yet practical design fits comfortably in your hand. The shape allows for easy swirling, releasing even more of the whisky’s aromatic notes.
3. Enhanced Tasting: The Glencairn glass provides a focused tasting experience, allowing you to savor the whisky’s nuances, from the initial nosing to the final sip.

While the whiskey rocks glass is a suitable alternative, the Glencairn glass stands out as the superior choice for fully appreciating the delicate flavors and aromas of a smooth Scotch.

Tasting Notes

When it comes to savoring Glenlivet 12, the tasting experience is a delightful journey of the senses:

On the Nose: Glenlivet 12 presents a subtle aroma, reminiscent of toasted grains, with gentle whispers of honey and pear notes.

This initial encounter sets the stage for what’s to come.

Palate: As you take your first sip, you’ll be greeted by a satisfying texture that boasts an exceptionally smooth entrance.

The dominant flavor of creamy vanilla takes center stage, perfectly complemented by subtle hints of fruitiness. This harmonious blend dances on your taste buds.

Finish: The journey concludes with a relatively short yet pleasing finish.

You’ll notice a lingering sweetness, akin to the touch of sweet honey and gentle vanilla notes.

It leaves a warm and inviting memory, inviting you to savor another sip.

These tasting notes capture the essence of Glenlivet 12, offering a glimpse into its layered flavors and the delightful experience it offers to those who appreciate its distinct profile.

Glenlivet in Cocktails

While Glenlivet 12 can indeed be used in cocktails, it may not be my first choice in this regard.

There are more budget-friendly whiskies like Monkey Shoulder that can provide a similar experience while allowing you to save some money.

However here are some cocktail ideas if you want to use the Glenlivet for making a whisky cocktail:

1. Scotch Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or a maraschino cherry.

2. Scotch Highball

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 4 oz club soda
• Lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in Scotch.
3. Top up with club soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

3. Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Place a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add Angostura bitters to the sugar cube.
3. Muddle the sugar and bitters together to create a paste.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour Scotch over the ice.
6. Stir gently until well mixed.

Food Pairings

Glenlivet 12’s versatile and approachable profile makes it a great match for a variety of foods. Here are some pairing ideas to enhance your whisky experience:

• Cheese: A cheese platter with selections like mild cheddar, Gouda, or Camembert complements the whisky’s fruity and slightly nutty notes.
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate with its rich and slightly bitter flavors can be a delightful contrast to the whisky’s sweetness.
• Grilled Seafood: The whisky’s crisp and fruity character pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood like salmon or shrimp.
• Roasted Chicken: This whisky’s gentle flavors complement roasted chicken, offering a balanced and satisfying combination.
• Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts, particularly almonds and cashews, complements the whisky’s nutty undertones.