Carl -
I think rudedog may have been extolling the virtues of a touch of conglomeration.
My point exactly, thanks.
Glenlivet, on the other hand, I am quite fond of
Glenlivit is a member of the Speyside malt family, named because the distilleries are on or near the river Spey in the central highlands of Scotland. Glenlivit is well known for a repeatable light smooth character which is easily detected as a Speyside (Light initial bite, full but not strong in the mouth. lingering nutlike aftertaste with only a hint of peat). Among Malt fans it is regarded as clean and consistent but lacking in depth and character, especially when compared with the more complex malts from the region.
MacCallen is widely regarded by both Scots and other malt drinkers as the rightful king of the Speysides, and possibly the most desirable of all single malts (although those like myself who favor the more peaty Isley malts would contest that last statement). For a good understanding of the difference, get a 12, 18 and 30 year old MacCallen, and your favorite Glenlivit, and do some blind tasting. You will quickly understand why most serious scotch drinkers feel as they do.
Incidentally, the US importer of Glenlivit recently started importing MacCallen, making at least the 18 year old variety slightly easier to get in the US. |
