The Glenlivet XXV 25 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

The Glenlivet XXV is the flagship 25 year old expression in The Glenlivet core range, the ultimate statement piece from the historic Glenlivet Distillery in the Livet Valley of Speyside, founded in 1824 by George Smith as the first legal distillery in the parish of Glenlivet following the 1823 Excise Act. This exceptional aged single malt is matured for approximately 23 years in traditional American white oak ex bourbon casks, then double barreled (finished) for an additional two years in hand selected first fill Oloroso sherry casks. Each finishing cask is individually monitored to ensure the Oloroso soaked wood imparts only the most subtle and balanced sherry character to the already mature spirit, layering nutty spice, dried fruit, and chocolate over the iconic floral fruity Glenlivet house style. Bottled at 43% ABV without chill filtration in a presentation bottle housed inside a striking wooden gift box reinforced with limestone and brushed steel, this is one of the most decorated 25 year old single malts in the entire Scotch category. Awarded Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, Gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters Competition, Grand Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 93 points by Whisky Advocate, and 93.5 points by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. A sublime choice to mark special occasions and one of the most accessible truly aged Speyside single malts on the market.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep molten amber with rich mahogany highlights from the Oloroso sherry finish.

Nose: Bittersweet dark chocolate, plump sweet sultana, fruit cake, sweet barley, vanilla, hints of bay leaf, candied orange, ripe fruits, creamy vanilla, dried herbs, cooked fruits, apple crumble, balanced acidity, crème de cacao, almond skin, walnut baklava, and gentle wood spice.

Palate: Thick, smooth, silky, and intensely concentrated, with super soft Speyside elegance, big malty burst, heavy vanilla, sherried peel, chewy sultana, toffee, walnut, dried fruit, juicy fig, toffee, honey dipped citrus, red licorice, chocolate covered almonds, dried spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, mint tea), piney ginger, and balancing tannins.

Finish: Long, opulent, rich, and balanced, with sherry, red fruits, spice, raisins, dates, figs, walnut, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a slow elegant fade described by Whisky Advocate as "seamless and elegantly balanced."

FAQ

What does the double maturation process do? The Glenlivet XXV spends approximately 23 years maturing in traditional American white oak ex bourbon casks, which let the bright fruity floral Glenlivet house style develop fully and pick up gentle vanilla, coconut, and orchard fruit character from the bourbon barrels. The whisky is then transferred for an additional 2 year finishing period in hand selected first fill Oloroso sherry casks, with each cask individually monitored to ensure the sherry character adds only the most subtle layered nutty spice and dried fruit dimension without overwhelming the underlying spirit. The result is a single malt of unerring character and sublime pleasure, often considered the textbook example of refined sherry finished Speyside scotch at the 25 year age tier.

How does this compare to the newer Cognac Cask Edition? The Glenlivet has released several variations of its 25 Year XXV over the years. The traditional XXV shown here is finished entirely in first fill Oloroso sherry casks for 2 years. The newer XXV Cognac Cask Edition (released in recent years) is finished across a combination of first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and Tronçais oak ex Cognac casks, delivering a different flavor profile of sweet fig, blood orange, ginger, toasted oak, and charred pineapple. Both are considered iconic, and the traditional Oloroso XXV remains a benchmark in the category.

Why is The Glenlivet so historically important? The Glenlivet was founded by George Smith in 1824 as the first distillery in the parish of Glenlivet to take out a license under the 1823 Excise Act, effectively making The Glenlivet the founder of the entire legal Speyside single malt category. Before 1823 most Highland whisky was distilled illegally, and George Smith's decision to go legal was personally so controversial that he reportedly carried pistols for years to defend against threats from his neighboring illicit distillers. Today The Glenlivet is the bestselling single malt scotch in the United States and one of the most recognized whisky names in the world.

How should I drink Glenlivet XXV? At 43% ABV with 25 years of cask maturation, this is best served neat in a tulip shaped Glencairn glass at room temperature, allowing the complex aromatics to fully open. A single drop of cool spring water can accent the sweet fruit and lift the sherry notes if desired, but ice and mixers should be avoided at this age and price tier. Pair with soft creamy cheeses, dark chocolate, fine artisanal cheeses, or savor as a contemplative post dinner pour. The wooden gift presentation box should be retained for full collector value.

Where can I buy The Glenlivet XXV 25 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.