Celebration whisky is always good. Dan & Laura gave Ryan this bottle to say thanks for Being the MC at their wedding reception. He did a good job, and a good job deserves scotch.

We’ve tried the 12y before, and I’ve had the 18y at my bro-in-law’s. So it was nice to try the middle ground. Here’s what we thought:

smell
Dan – smooth, berries & cherry
Simon – grandfather, candy, grape, cake, light oak
Ryan – sweet, floral, fruity, soft peaches, subtle dry wood, smooth, clean, dryer than 12y
Goran – wood chips, vanilla, honey, mineral

neat
Dan – very smooth, wood, sweet, copper
Simon – slightly flat on the tongue, perfume, light, cocoa, orange
Ryan – burn hits throat, not tongue, rose, floral, east sipping
Goran – honey, dried nuts, garnish of spicy warmth, perfect balance

splash
Dan – oak, iron at the end
Simon – oak comes through cleaner
Ryan – less sweet, less rose, wood
Goran – light smoke, retains composition

The Glenlivet 15y French Oak Reserve – 40% 750ml – $69.95 – Speyside

Try it? Yes. Buy it? Yes!