Cadenhead keeps surprising us with casks that are unreachable for other bottlers. Here’s a Glenlivet 42 yo 1973 (they mention the old hamlet Minmore on the label).
Since this is bottled in the small batch series, it is a mix of several casks. Maybe one of them was underproof and blending a higher proof brought it above 40% again?
Glenlivet – Minmore 42 yo 1973 (40,2%, Cadenhead Small Batch 2015, bourbon hogsheads, 630 btl.)
Nose: ah, 1970s polished oak! Plus a whole range of fruits: apricots, mirabelles, honeydew melon and really nice kiwi notes. Typical honey, coconut and some pollen. Buttercups. The sweet & sour balance makes it really vibrant.
Mouth: not weak at all, but soft, elegant and really oily. Very honeyed again, alongside apples, tinned apricots and pears. Some tobacco. Hardly any oak, just a minty side and light minerals towards the end. Classic stuff.
Finish: long, all on citrus fruits, mint and mild oak spices, mainly cinnamon.
The combination of fruity notes and a lighter, tart side is pretty perfect. It’s close to the famous Caperdonich 1972 profile, is that good enough? Around € 400.
Score: 91/100