The name of this whisky is Gaelic for “natural.” It claims to “stay true to the style of whisky that was enjoyed in the 19th century. [1]” Whether that’s true or not, it’s pretty damn satisfying in the 21st century. This review features a version sold at a slightly higher cask strength than the standard, which is at 48% abv). Glenlivet has subsequently rolled out the Nàdurra as a semi-regular offering much in the same vein as Laphoraig’s Cairdeas series, where every release is unique unto itself. This Nàdurra is comprised of 16 year scotch and aged in New American oak barrels.
Distillery: The Glenlivet
Region: Speyside
Age: 16 year
Strength: 54.2%
Price: $51.39
Maturation: New American oak
Location: Ballindalloch
Nose: Hot, floral, spice, gentle oak, creamy cherry almond
Palate: Vanilla, spice, black pepper, buttery, nutmeg, dark honey, orange pith
Finish: Vanilla, ginger, kettlecorn, roasted nut, licorice, peat
Comments: Adding a dollop of water is highly recommended to bring it into a more comfortable range (though take a sip or two first at full power).
“Take the time to find what works for you.”
Adam – The Nàdurra is great for scotch alchemy, for you’ll have fun experimenting to find the right balance. A showcase for what the right amount of water can do to whisky. Take the time to find what works for you. That water can take the edge off the alcohol burn – if you so desire – and really opens up all the fruity and floral elements of this whisky. Compared to other whiskies of the same age, the price point is undeniably attractive. In other words, worth exploring with low risk.
Kate – A harder version of a typical Irish whiskey. Misses a lot of the typical flavors of other scotches. Unsure if that’s a good thing or not.
Meghan – Very nice traditional scotch but it takes a lot of work to get the right balance. If you had a bottle to yourself and drank the Nàdurra regularly so watering to the right balance was habit, it would be fine. But there are other Glenlivets (and other scotches) out there that don’t need so much work. I don’t regret getting to know this whiskey but like some people, it’s just too high maintenance to have a serious and lasting relationship with.
