The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve
Fifteen years old, with part of it matured in French Limousin oak, the wood you know from cognac. Fresh, aromatic and powerful, with a fuller and creamier finish than the 12 Years.
What French oak does to whisky
The character of the 15 Years comes from selective maturation. Some of the whisky spends a limited time in casks made from French Limousin oak, the wood best known for cognac. This oak is less dense than American oak, allowing the whisky to penetrate deeply and draw out distinctive spices. Because only part of it is matured this way, the wood does not overpower it.
The Glenlivet was one of the first distilleries to use French oak for whisky, something many more brands now do. Compared with the fruity 12 Years, the 15 is fuller, spicier and creamier on the finish, with nuts and spices. It has the same 40% ABV and is made to be enjoyed neat.
In brief
Aromatic fruit with French spices
Fresh and aromatic
A fresh, aromatic nose with Glenlivet's familiar fruit and an initial hint of spices from the French oak.
Bold and nutty
Fuller than the 12 Years, with notes and spices that give the fruit a firmer foundation.
Full and creamy
The French oak makes the finish fuller and creamier, with a warm spiciness that lingers.
Tasting profile of The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve neat. Spicier and creamier than the 12 Years.
Drink it like a cognac
Matured in French oak, this malt deserves to be enjoyed like a fine cognac: slowly, neat and after dinner.
Neat in a cognac glass
3 cl in a small cognac glass or tulip-shaped tasting glass, at room temperature. Hold the glass in your hand; a little warmth brings out the spices and nutty notes.
Glass: cognac glass →Alongside the 12 Years
Pour 2 cl of the 12 and 2 cl of the 15 side by side into two identical glasses. This lets you taste what the French oak adds: less fresh fruit, more spice and creaminess.
About The Glenlivet →With walnuts or dark chocolate
3 cl neat in a tumbler with a handful of walnuts or a piece of dark chocolate. The whisky's nutty notes become deeper.
Tumblers →Classics that suit French oak
Choose cocktails normally made with cognac or spicy whisky. The spices in the 15 Years come through beautifully.
Sazerac
Originally made with cognac. Whisky, sugar, bitters, and an absinthe rinse.
Manhattan
Whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The nutty notes and spices complement the vermouth.
Godfather
Whisky with amaretto over ice. The almond complements the nutty notes.
Hot Toddy
Whisky with hot water, honey, lemon, and cinnamon. Spicy and warming.The right glass for the 15 Years French Oak
A small cognac glass or tulip-shaped tasting glass for a neat pour, a heavy tumbler for the Godfather, and a coupe for the Manhattan.
More flavors of The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet
Where it began. On the brand page, read everything about The Glenlivet: origin, varieties, and classic cocktails.
To The Glenlivet →
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
Orange, pear and caramel. Smooth, creamy and the ideal malt for a highball.
View The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve →
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
Rum casks impart banana, toffee and tropical fruit. A summery malt for ginger ale and tiki cocktails.
View The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve →
The Glenlivet 18 Years
European and American oak, first and second fill. Full-bodied, elegant and with a long finish.
View The Glenlivet 18 Years →
The Glenlivet 21 Years
Sherry, cognac and port. Caramelized pear, raisins and warm spices for a special moment.
View The Glenlivet 21 Years →Everything about whisky: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve
Can't find your question? Read more on the page about The Glenlivet or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about The Glenlivet →