The Glenlivet XXV Single Malt Scotch Whisky

During the early 19th century, illegal distilleries were commonplace throughout the Speyside region of Scotland. In 1823, however, Alexander Gordon pushed the Excise Act through Parliament. The Excise Act allowed illegal distillers throughout Scotland to apply for and obtain licenses to legally distill spirits. In 1824, a businessman named George Smith applied for one of the first licenses in the Speyside region of Scotland and opened the doors to The Glenlivet Distillery. For nearly two centuries, The Glenlivet Distillery has been producing the "single malt whisky that started it all."The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky is made using barley sourced from Crisp Maltings, Portgordon (Portgordon is a village in Moray, Scotland). After the unpeated barley has been malted and mashed, it is fermented in wooden washbacks for approximately two days. The wooden washbacks used by Glenlivet are more difficult and expensive to maintain as compared to the stainless steel washbacks used by most Scottish distilleries, but impart a distinctive, floral quality to the whisky.After the barley has been fermented, it is distilled twice first through Glenlivets wash still, and then again through Glenlivets spirits still. Originally designed by George Smith, the copper-pot stills have a unique, lantern-like shape, which encourages contact between the whisky and the copper (the copper strips the whisky of any impurities it may have, and provides for a lighter and more pure flavor profile). In addition, the height of the stills ensures only the lightest vapors are condensed, and provides for a more delicate and elegant whisky.Following distillation, The Glenlivet XXV is aged for approximately 23 years in traditional oak casks. After its initial maturation, the whisky is double barreled, or finished, in hand-selected, first-fill sherry casks for an additional two years. The sherry casks impart a luxurious and bold aroma of ripe fruits, dark chocolate and creamy vanilla to the whisky. In addition, the sherry casks contribute hints of raisins, dates and figs, which complement the whiskys notes of walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon. The finish is long opulent, with notes of sherry, red fruits and spices mingled together.Glenlivet XXV earned the Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the The Scotch Whisky Masters Competition. In addition, it earned a score of 93 points from Whisky Advocate, which said that the whiskys "flavors are seamless and elegantly balanced." It also earned a score 95 points from the Beverage Testing Institute.Each bottle of Glenlivet XXV Single Malt Scotch Whisky is encased in a wooden box that is reinforced with limestone and brushed steel.Pick up a bottle today!