2009 Hand Filled

The Glenlivet was founded in 1824 by George Smith, who had spent years as an illicit distiller in the remote Livet Valley before becoming the first licensed producer in Speyside. This Hand Filled from 2009 is a direct expression of that heritage — a strictly limited batch, bottled at cask strength.

This 15-year-old single malt was finished in an Amarone Wine Hogshead (cask 30393), an intriguing choice for a distillery known for its light, fruity Speyside signature. The marriage of ex-bourbon maturation with this wine cask finish adds depth without overwhelming the distillery's characteristic elegance.

The nose reveals refined orchard fruit — apple and pear — layered with vanilla and honey, supported by soft caramel and toffee. The palate delivers full body at cask strength (56.8%), with dark sugar, hints of cinnamon and cracked pepper, and a lingering finish touched by oak spice. This is Glenlivet uncompromised — a more intense, mature reading of the house style.