TheGlenlivet15YearOldFrenchOakReserve(700mL)

<p>If Whisky was a fine Scotsman like William Wallace, or Sean Connery.</p><p><em>George Smith</em> was running an illegal still on the estate of the <em>Duke of Gordon </em>in the wee early 1800’s. The good old Duke … ahem … may or may not have been aware of the illicit operation in exchange for a personal supply. When the Duke helped sponsor legislation in <em>1823 </em>that made Whisky distilling legal in the UK, it just so happens that George Smith was the first one granted a license. Now legal and above board, he naturally named his “new” business after the local parish—<em>Glenlivet</em>.</p><p>Today Glenlivet is one of the <em>“Big Three”</em> single malt producers, being <em>#1</em> in the United States and<em> #2</em> worldwide. Their Whiskies are officially <em>“Speyside,”</em> meaning that they are Highland malts produced along the <em>river Spey</em>, and the water for the Whisky mash comes somewhat famously from “Josie’s Well.” Glenlivet produces Whiskies in a variety of ages and wood-matured combinations, and the remaining spirit not bottle as part of their Glenlivet lineup is considered an indispensable component in some of the most famous blends.</p><p>Remember that scene in <em>Braveheart </em>where <em>William Wallace</em> “spends the night” with the lovely French princess in the woods and afterwards she discovers her soul and strength? This Whisky is their <em>love-child</em>.</p><p>It’s all about the, um … the wood. Commonly, Scotch Whiskies are aged in <em>“seasoned” barrels</em>— former Bourbon and wine casks for example. This is great, but not for this Whisky.</p><p>Glenlivet French Oak Reserve is matured in new, <em>French</em>, <em>Limousin-Oak barrels</em>—the same barrels used for <em>Cognac </em>and <em>Armagnac</em>, so do not be surprised by a similar complexity and character. <em>“Limousin”</em> is the root of the word “Limousine”<em> (and yes, there is a party in the back)</em>. It takes <em>15 years</em> to squeeze the flavor out of this refined Whisky—not a day less—and it’s definitely worth the long,<em> luxurious ride.</em></p><p>