The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

Distillery Background and History

The Glenlivet distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith in the Speyside region of Scotland, becoming one of the first legally licensed distilleries after the Excise Act of 1823. It is located near Ballindalloch in Moray, and over time its single malts have come to define the lighter, fruit-driven Speyside style. The distillery is now under the Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers umbrella and remains one of the largest and most respected in Scotland. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Glenlivet’s production team aims to balance its signature fruit and floral character with gentle oak influence. The “15 Year French Oak Reserve” is a selective expression focusing on maturation in French oak casks (especially Limousin oak) to deliver extra depth, spice and richness without overwhelming the core spirit. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

The whisky is made from malted barley, and standard Speyside yeast strains are used. Its water sources include the famed Josie’s Well and Blairfindy Well, known for their purity and contribution to the distillery’s clean profile. 

Distillation Process

The Glenlivet uses traditional copper pot stills, with classic double distillation. The stills are designed with tall necks to enhance reflux and retain the lighter aromatic elements. 

Maturation & Cask Information

A portion of the spirit is matured in French oak (Limousin) casks to introduce more spice, oak character, and complexity. The use of French oak in The Glenlivet 15 is a signature differentiator from its standard 12-year version, creating richer and deeper layers. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and buttery, with fruit aromas including orange peel, candied grapefruit and honey, layered with almond and oak spice. 

Palate: Rounded and smooth, with notes of citrus (orange, grapefruit), nuts (almond, hazelnut), gentle oak spice (cinnamon, clove), vanilla, and light malt. 

Finish: Medium length, almond and spice linger, with a touch of residual fruit sweetness and gentle oak dryness. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with game meats (venison, duck), roasted pork with fruity glazes, mature cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), dried figs or nuts, and even dark chocolate desserts.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of water to unmask aromatics. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass to focus the nose. Ideal drinking temperature is ~16–18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is stable and not intended for further aging. Store in a cool, dark environment (~15-20 °C), upright. After opening, consume within 1-2 years to preserve freshness and aromatic integrity.

Grape Type & Mash Bill

Single Malt (100 % malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 %