Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve Review – Triple Cask

Distillery: Glenlivet

Region: Banffshire, Scotland

Aging: No Age Statement – Aged in American White Oak Casks, Ex-Sherry Casks, and Traditional Casks

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Price: $85

I found this bottle of Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve on my Royal Caribbean cruise ship. I visited the duty-free liquor store right on the ship and was surprised to see this special edition bottle. I tried looking this one up online and only found it for sale on one website. I am assuming it is most likely only available in duty-free stores like airports and my Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Either way, I was pleasantly surprised to find this bottle and I am happy to bring you a review in hopes that you may also be able to find this one if you’re a fan of Glenlivet!

With that being said, I’ll continue with the review.

Appearance: Dark Gold

Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve Tasting Notes

Nose: fruit, cherry, raspberry, citrus, orange, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, spices

Palate: fruit, zesty orange flavors, cherry, blended hazelnut, chocolate, and vanilla with additional spices

Finish: Smooth easy finish that starts with a tangy fruit and finishes with a smooth almost dark chocolate candy-like flavor.

Is Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve Approachable?

This bottle of Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve is pretty approachable. It’s very easy to drink, but does has a little more heat than the Glenlivet 14-year and Glenlivet 15-year. It’s still only 40% ABV but it does seem to pack a bit more flavor into each sip than its counterparts.

Is Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve Complex?

Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve is actually a bit more complex than its 14 and 15-year counterparts. While it’s about the same price, it seems to have a bit more layers of flavor to it. In particular, as advertised on the front of the bottle, it does have more fruit and spice flavors.

What are Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve’s strongest attributes/flavors?

As advertised, it does offer more fruit flavors than any of the other Glenlivet bottles of the same price range. While I still think the Glenlivet 15-year is a bit more balanced and smooth, the Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve packs a bit more punch for the fan of bold complex Scotch whisky.

Is Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve a go-to whisky?

I would not consider the Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve a go-to whisky. I would pour myself a glass of this bottle when I need a bold kick of flavor and am in the mood for a little heat from the strong fruit and spice flavors.

Is Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve priced accurately to its quality?

I purchased this bottle for $80, but the only price I could find online was nearly $200. At the retail $80, this bottle is worth the asking price. If you can find this bottle at any duty-free stores, definitely pick it up. I still think the Glenlivet 15-year is a bit more refined and balanced so I wouldn’t pay more than $80-90 for this one.

Also, I’d also be curious to see if anyone else has found this bottle and what your thoughts are on it.

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.

If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let us know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Thanks for reading and cheers!