Not too long ago I venture into a cigar bar in Boston’s North End. I am not a smoker, but I had never been to a cigar bar before and I wanted to see what a place like that was all about. For some reason I picture cigars and whisky going well together. After stepping into the place, even with their ventilation system, I knew I would only last one dram. What helped me forget about the smoke and what my hair would smell like when we walked out was surprisingly, The Glenlivet 21 year-old Archive.
If you are a constant follower of my blog you might remember that my first post about Glenlivet was with their 15 year-old French Oak Reserve and it was not a positive review http://wp.me/p3Zt2k-a. The Glenlivet Nadurra 16 year-old Cask Strength followed in tasting and made up for the Reserve, http://wp.me/p3Zt2k-2r; however this latest Glenlivet tasting blows the 15 year-old and 16 year-old out of the water.
I absolutely enjoyed this Glenlivet expression. It was amazing how different this experience was from my first experience with the brand. This 21 year-old Archive is a part of The Glenlivet Classic Collection. It is also produced in small, bespoke batches.
Tasting Notes
Nose: wood, sherry and sweetness
Taste: cinnamon, nuts, ginger and sweet
Finish: Rich, smooth with a nice linger burn
Having not been a fan of their 15 year old I was pleasantly surprised with this 21 year-old. Yes their 16 year-old Nadurra was good, but this 21 year-old is fantastic. It’s certainly changed my views of the brand and it certainly help me forget of the atmosphere I was enjoyed this dram at.
If you are looking to buy, a bottle would range around $125-$160. Although pricy, I certainly think it’s worth trying, especially if you didn’t enjoy some of the younger Glenlivet expressions. The 21 year-old will certainly give you a whole new appreciation for the brand.
Cheers!
Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.
thewhiskeywench 
Love the 21-year-old Archive; a sophisticated Glenlivet, and one that really benefits from the sherry maturation. I tend to prefer it over the 25yo.
I completely agree that it’s sophisticated. I was glad to finally try a Glenlivet that I could really enjoy. It’s good to know that you prefer this one to the 25 year old. I will see how it stacks up against the 25 when I eventually try that year. Cheers!