The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Double Oak

Distillery Background and History

The Glenlivet distillery is located in the Speyside region of Scotland, founded in 1824 by George Smith. It holds a storied place in Scotch whisky history as one of the first fully licensed distilleries in the area and helped define the Speyside style — elegant, fruity, and accessible. Over time, The Glenlivet brand under Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers has maintained its reputation as a benchmark single malt.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

While specific names of current master distillers vary, The Glenlivet is known for balancing fruit-forward expression with oak influence. The “Double Oak” edition emphasizes dual maturation — first in traditional oak, then finishing in American oak — reflecting a philosophy of layering wood complexity without overpowering the core distillate.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This whisky uses malted barley, local Speyside yeast strains, and the distillery’s water drawn from the mountain springs near its site. The purity of the water source and the quality of barley contribute to the clean, fruity signature.

Distillation Process

Distillation is done in classic copper pot stills, following the traditional double distillation practice of Scotch single malts. No unusual or hybrid distillation methods are publicly documented for this bottling.

Maturation & Cask Information

The Glenlivet 12 Double Oak is initially matured in traditional oak casks and then spends further maturation in American oak casks to introduce extra vanilla and oak spice character. The total maturation age is 12 years. The dual cask influence aims to bolster the oak dimension while preserving fruitiness.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Ripe orchard fruits (pear, apple), honey, vanilla, slight citrus zest, soft barley. 

Palate: Smooth, with orchard and stone fruit sweetness, touches of oak and gentle tea or biscuit notes, soft spice. 

Finish: Short to medium. Oak spices linger with apple peel and mild sweetness. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with fresh oysters or shellfish, light cheeses (Brie, goat cheese), fruit tarts (apple, pear), roasted poultry with apple glaze, or almond biscotti.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open aromatics. Use a Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped whisky glass. Ideal drinking temperature: ~16–18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is stable and not intended for further aging. Store upright, away from direct sunlight, in a cool, stable environment (15–20 °C). To preserve vibrancy, consume within a few years of opening.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt (100% malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 %