Ever since the Glenmorangie distillery launched its trio of port, sherry, and madeira cask-finished whiskies back in the mid-1990s, finishing casks have been a staple of Scottish single malt whisky production. And while it is most definitely true that the impact of the secondary cask can be in turn under- or overwhelming, when the cask-finishing is well executed it can produce some rather remarkable whiskies.
I’m pleased to report that the new, limited edition Provence Edition from The Glenlivet is one such whisky. Finished in a combination of white wine casks from Château Sainte Marguerite, one of eighteen estates to hold a Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence designation, barrels from the sweet wine-producing Rivesaltes appellation in the southeast of France, and Sauternes casks, it seeks to, as per the press release, “invite whisky lovers to experience single malt through a distinctly Provençal lens.”
Accepting the invitation, I find that the rich gold malt offers a very fragrant, very floral aroma. Is it the ‘Provence Edition’ moniker that makes me think of lavender? Perhaps, but there is an inarguable floral, countryside aspect to the nose of this whisky, lavender, maybe, but wildflowers and a fresh field of grain for certain. (The Glenlivet is notoriously a floral whisky, so these notes are understandable.) Some orange zest is also apparent, alongside honey – floral, again – stone fruit and pear, and a hint of chocolate with a suggestion of clove.
The flavour is balanced and mellow right from the start, making this a single malt for everyone, from aficionados to whisky novices, but it is also round and medium- to full-bodied. Floral orange notes flow seamlessly to a palate of honey, tangerine, overripe pear, and light vanilla. The finish is soft, gentle, like a cozy sweater on a cold night.
While everything about this whisky, from its packaging to its nose and finish, suggests warm weather and starry nights, I personally like it as a winter dram, a suggestion of summer to be enjoyed within the depths of snow and cold and ice.
90 ($86 - $99)
