Distillery: Glenlivet
Region: Banffshire, Scotland
Aging:
ABV: 48%
Proof: 96
Price: $100
This bottle is named Glenlivet “Code” for a reason. It was a fun marketing approach to create a unique experience with this bottle of whisky. Glenlivet released this bottle and gave the customer no clue as to what flavor profile they created with this bottle. It was up to the drinker to determine what flavors they thought were in the flavor profile as they tried to unlock the “Code” for the distiller’s recipe.
It was a unique way to experiment with a new flavor profile and create an additional sku for the brand.
Unfortunately, I purchased this bottle after the website was no longer live. I was unable to input my feedback on the flavor profile before the big reveal, but I enjoyed trying to unlock the puzzle of this bottle nonetheless.
Appearance: Dark Gold
Glenlivet Code Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel, toffee, vanilla, light fruits, orange, apricot, apple
Palate: Sweet caramel, toasted oak barrel, vanilla, light fruits, and rye spices toward the finish
Finish: Heavy, bold finish with deep caramel and toasted oak barrel flavor
Is Glenlivet Code Approachable?
Glenlivet Code is a bit bolder than the other Glenlivet options and is not as approachable for new whisky drinkers. While the flavors are mostly basic caramel and fruit notes, it was revealed that this bottle was finished in ex-Canadian rye casks which gives it an extra kick. It also has a higher ABV which contributed to the extra heat.
Is Glenlivet Code Complex?
Glenlivet Code is more complex than some of the other Glenlivet options, but it also has a higher price tag. I get a few layers of flavors starting with the strong caramel from the charred barrels along with the fruit follow-up and heat on the tail end. After the flavor profile was revealed for this bottle, it was interesting to see that the heat on the tail end was not just due to the higher ABV, but also because it had rye spices from being finished in ex-Canadian rye casks.
What are Glenlivet Code’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Glenlivet Code’s strongest flavors would be the rich caramel notes and spices. They’re quite enjoyable even at the cost of the additional heat from the higher ABV.
Is Glenlivet Code a go-to whisky?
I wouldn’t consider Glenlivet Code a go-to whisky. It’s a pretty rare bottle that is hard to find. This is a bottle I would pour myself a glass of on a cold snowy day when I need a little warmth from my whisky and am looking for a nice toasty flavor to accompany a night by the fireplace.
Is Glenlivet Code priced accurately to its quality?
Glenlivet Code is priced above its quality, but that was half the allure of the bottle. The name “Code” was designed to be a puzzle for hardcore whisky fans who wanted to unlock the code of what flavors were in the bottle. If you don’t mind paying a little additional money for the fun of bottles like this, it’s a fun way to promote the brand in a new and unique way.
We have reviewed every bottle of the Glenlivet lineup of 11 bottles and compared exactly which bottles are best and which are worth the price tag. You can read our full comprehensive Glenlivet Review to decide which bottle you should buy.
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
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Thanks for reading and cheers!
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