Getting to know The Glenlivet

Where the spirit turns into fine malt whisky

In a previous article on blended Scotch whisky, the differences between blended scotch and single malt scotch were touched upon.  Preceding reviews of the 12 year and the 18 year single malts provided by The Glenlivet and a summary of a conversation with Ricky Crawford, The Glenlivet U.S. Brand Ambassador, it is appropriate to give a short history of the distillery.

The Glenlivet Distillery is located in the Speyside region of Scotland.  During the early 1800’s, the manufacture of whisky was already taking place in illicit stills in the area.  This harsh environment made detection almost impossible and highly improbable.  However, these whiskies would make their way into the hands of noblemen and eventually into the hand of King George IV in 1822.  A year later, whisky manufacture was made legal.

It didn’t take long before a native of the area, George Smith, who had already been making whisky there, established The Glenlivet Distillery.  The year was 1824.  This move made him many enemies among his whisky-making neighbors, who threatened to burn his distillery down, as well as to deprive him of his life.  While many whiskies were made in the area, only one survived and retained the name The Glenlivet.

The quality of the barley that was used to make the whisky, along with the single water source coming from Josie’s Well nearby hasn’t changed since 1824.  So it is no surprise that The Glenlivet quickly became the No. 1 selling Single-Malt whisky in America following Prohibition.

The preceding information was complied by the author from The Glenlivet website, and distillery profile videos posted on Youtube by SingleMaltTV.

View this post on Examiner.com or my other articles here.

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First In Whiskey (Brave Spirits Part Two)

First In Whiskey should naturally be the first spirit reviewed from Brave Spirits, LLC.  The colors on the bottle remind me of the colors of the U.S. Marine Corps emblem, pictured here.  The Marines are usually the first ones on the ground during a conflict.  My understanding is that they are very proud of that fact.    The bottle resembles a soldier at attention.  This applies to all Brave Spirits products.  Of course, all labeling is done in the patriotic red, white and blue.  I would be remiss not to mention that all Brave Spirits products are made in the United States right down to bottle, cork, label and spirit.

Upon opening the bottle, familiar whiskey aromas hit my nose — nice, warm, and woody.  I pour a small amount in a glass and give it a swirl or two.  The taste is pleasant, echoing the aromas I got when first opening the bottle, along with a hint of coconut and vanilla, from the American Oak barrels which First In matures after distillation in the foothills of Kentucky.  With a splash of water, the taste mellowed and was quite lighter than I am used to in a whiskey.  I cannot call this whiskey a bourbon whiskey, which is what most of us in America are used to drinking, along with the occasional rye.  I’m not saying this isn’t a bourbon, it just doesn’t say so on the label.  What First In is not is merely a reflection of a whiskey.  This is whiskey in the fullest sense and stands on it’s own.

In my opinion, First In does not shine as well neat as some other American whiskeys. However, when mixing in a cocktail it gives a light, yet definite whiskey flavor to the cocktails without overpowering the drink itself.  The light flavor makes it a perfect substitute for a canadian whiskey when first initiating someone to the wonders of whiskey.  I received a few recipes from Brave Spirits.  One of these is featured here:

The First In Ginger: 2 oz First In Whiskey, .5 oz lime juice, and Ginger Ale.  I built this drink in the glass and gave it a quick stir after topping with Ginger Ale.  I used Reed’s Ginger Ale.  The end result was a delicious, light drink suitable for summertime or any time of the year.I am anxious to try it in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.  I fully expect First In to work very well in those as well as any other drink calling for an American whiskey.

Cheers!

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