Miltonduff-Glenlivet 12, 1960/70s, 75 proof.

Wait 75 proof? Also, what's with the 26 2/3 fl. oz volume? And why do many these old bottles have different spellings as well as "-Glenlivet" on them?
The 75, as well as 70, proofing was not uncommon for several bottlings back in the 60s and 70s. It was also not uncommon practice, especially for blends, to state volume as 26 2/3 fl. oz, which apparently is a little over 750 ml. Why the industry did this is still a mystery to me. The "-Glenlivet" labeling that we often see on many bottles, was due to the Glenlivet distillery producing better Scotch during the later half of the 19th century. Sort of like the practice of labeling Scotch "unblended" and bourbon as "bottled-in-bond". So adding "-Glenlivet" was sort of riding the coattails of the leader of the pack. Glenlivet took a legal route and abolished this practice, although I am not sure why it happened for so long.

Nose: quite strong on the toast, a little chemically, hints of vanilla, borderline vegetative, with time it becomes more fruity.

Palate: very oily, initial palate is quite smooth,
mid palate is like light vegetable juice, a little vegetative, back palate has light honey, weaker teas, a little bit of Sprite if I swish it.

Finish: medium to long, a little like the finish after eating fresh red apples, slightly meaty fruity overall.

Dry glass: strong honey, wax, graham crackers.

A very oily and easy going whisky at a below 40% abv whisky. Flavors aren't strong in any aspect, but the oily texture is interesting and a little unique at lower proofs, of which I feel are mostly punchy, unripe white wines. I shared the dry glass with 2 ladies next to me and they were shocked, as well as I, at how different the aromas became.

Grade: C+

Malt maniacs, Olivier Humbrecht, 86 points

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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