Review by: The Muskox

These “Lonach” bottlings from Duncan Taylor are older whiskies that have fallen close to (or even below) the minimum 40% ABV bottling strength, brought back up to proof via vatting with higher-strength stocks. It’s the Johnnie Blue approach. There’s value to be had here, especially if you’re not put off by lower proofs (hint: you shouldn’t be).

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Distillery: Glenlivet.

Bottler: Duncan Taylor.

Region: Speyside.

ABV: 40.1%.

Age: 35 years. Distilled in 1970. Bottled in 2006.

Cask type: “Oak casks” (unknown).

Price: N/A, sample.

Color: 0.4, Jonquil/Ripe corn. Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Piles of fruit. Loads of that classic Glenlivet green apple, but also honeydew, banana, kiwi, and starfruit. It’s tart and minerally like a white wine. The milk left over from a bowl of Fruit Loops. Homemade marshmallow and raw dough. Star anise. Just a hint of a warm and spicy edge, maybe some cinnamon. A little citronella even.

Palate: Medium-light texture. Not super flavourful on the arrival, but slowly becomes malty and milky, almonds, sweet pastries, then there are the green apples. Sweet and rich oak on the development. Poppyseeds, basil, white tea, and tangerine.

Finish: Medium-length. Spicy ginger beer. Boston Cooler. Lingering tart lemon, green grapes, green apples, and peaches.

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Possible SMWS bottling name: “Apple bottom jeans”

Conclusion: Perfectly tasty old whisky, not so far away in style from modern Glenlivet. The nose brings the goods, and while it’s a bit of a slow burner on the palate, the whisky eventually gets there for me. It’s not the best of the old Glenlivets I’ve tried, but it’s a wonderful delicate malt that I’d gladly own a bottle of.

Final Score: 83.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.