An absolutely stunning presentation and a near perfect whisky! Was hesitant at the price/age ratio but this really opened my eyes to the value of the whisky outside of expectations. Great review of this fantastic drop. Cheers.
I just picked up the 12yo 2021 release based on your glowing reviews. Was not disappointed. $55 here in Germany, so a real bargain for the taste experience
I've yet to try this, but it is not easily available here & not cheap either, but I trust your opinion & do know how old style Macallan is, so I'm putting this on the wishlist, but maybe more after your horizontal rundown to come !
Bought two of these about a year and a half ago from the UK on faith based on Roy's enthusiasm for this bottle. Having a dram of the second bottle along with you for this. When I opened the first one also opened an old light brown box Macallan 12 43% to have side by side. Your information on this being all European oak makes sense as the flavors are rich and bold. The old Mac 12 in contrast was much more delicate and refined. However that is something that is long gone so the comparison is strictly academic at this point. For what is being made here and now this is the best Sherry cask available. Cheers
Great review, even if I’m late 😂. Reading all the comments below I’m happy that I could manage to buy a 2021 release. The Maiden release is not available at the market anymore, but it is still possible to find the 2021 release in few shops. slàinte mhath from Germany
That's a solid score from you. Glenturret distillery is a sleeper, mostly used as a blend I believe. I have the 12 & 17 yr Old Particular and their great at CS. I had the opportunity to buy the new Glenturret 12, but I was waiting for the new 15 yr with the 53% or 55% abv. I will now put this 12 yr on my list. When I don't know what scotch I'm in the mood for, I have no problem reaching for an entry level bottle especially when its good. Great review.
You are correct. Glenturret, billed as "the oldest CONTINUALLY working" distillery (not the oldest), was making product destined for blends (I'm sure you've heard of Famous Grouse). Now that the distillery paired with Lalique, they are trying to "rebrand" and are going full-tilt to try and catch the eyes and dollars of new customers. Bob Dalgarno (of Macallan fame) is now at the helm, and big things are expected. Of course, as for price, easy to see how the fancy "decanter-style" bottle is going to add to the cost, which is sometimes perceived as a distillery's attempt to cover-up some shortfall in the liquid itself. Whether the liquid can hold it's own is for us to determine, as the bottle is just old fashioned marketing fluff. Whatever happens to the brand, the next several years will undoubtedly be interesting for Glenturret.
@@CB-zx3jn Agreed, the decanter style of the new Glenturret is beautiful, but I would rather have a basic bottle with good juice at a lower cost. I have been lucky enough to buy a few bottles of the Famous Grouse 18 which is Macallan & HP juice. Can't beat that.
Hi Narbe, is this readily available where you are? I can’t find it anywhere here in Alberta, Canada? Thanks for all the awesome content you and mike put out!!
Been drinking the 12 since they rebranded. Loved the 2020 maiden so much I stocked up with 12 bottles, down to 7 now. Got a bottle of the 2021 open at the moment it's good however love the 2020 better. Haven't tried the 2022 yet but will give it a go soon
Smart to get 12 bottles!! I really like the 2020 and 2021 but the 2022 seems to have dropped in quality. Perhaps the first couple releases used older casks, but not sure.
Nice review! Saw the 2021 review, and glad to be able to see your thoughts on the 2020 MR. So, "currently available on the shelf"? I'm curious, where did you find yours? I guess I missed the boat catching this video a month after release... I cannot find the 2020 version anywhere. Oh well, looks like I'm going to have to settle for the 2021 for now. I'm starting the think the 2020 version has become a unicorn. But isn't that always the way of things ;-) ? Keep up the good work!
The 2020 is not available anymore and I don't see the 2021 being available for much longer. You are not settling the 2021 is very good in my opinion. Cheers!!
I have a bottle of this Maiden Release, as it's now coined, and although there's not much left in it. I've just poured a teeny-weenie glass to follow Narb's description. It ticks all the right boxes for a solid 12 year old sherry, matured in decent casks. To me it's more reminiscent of old Glendronach sherry rather than Macallan. Indeed, Benriach, did a wonderful 12 year (46%) fully matured in oloroso casks. (What a tragedy Billy Walker sold up because those great distilleries - Glendronach and Benriach were selling top notch sherried whisky not so long ago.) Oh dear, I just pored another teeny-weenie glass. I haven't had any of the later Glenturret 12 bottlings but it would be a shame if the quality has gone down since this inaugural release. There's a slightly dusty element to the Glenturret, in a good way, which is absent in Macallan. The nose is lovely with no flaws. On the palate, a sweet, dusty, sherry, very well integrated with the 46% alcohol (just as the old Benriach 12 was). Yep, a lovely dram although I want to steer clear of any hysteria. The reason we like it so much is because the general level of whisky has gone downhill, especially anything involving sherry casks. Like those sherry releases of yore, I think this Glenturret may well be topped down with older whisky in it. Nevertheless, it's obvious that some decent casks are used here. A third and final dram has resulted in the demise of my bottle. I'll never have another. Like many an enjoyable fling it was good while it lasted and we part with a big juicy Bon Voyage. Here's some secondary thoughts though Narb. Sherry whisky does not taste like sherry. I get that and this is a whisky channel, but, how good a sherry can you buy for £65? Answer: Something mega good. Second point; in order to console myself on my Glenturret bottle kill I've poured a glass of Aberlour A'bunadh (Batch 74). With a few drops of water it's tasting just fine and, might I say, just as enjoyable as the Glenturret. I don't know what goes into the vatting of A'bunadh but it remains a fine sherry bomb. I go back to casks. It seems to me that only a handful of distilleries have access to top quality sherry casks today. Cheers buddy (and Mike, in absentia). WT 🥃
Happy to hear you enjoyed the last 3 drams while watching the review. I don't think the quality has dropped but it is different. We are def going to do a blind with our fav 12 year sherried whiskies and will include an older mac 12 to see how it does. I would not be surprised if they included some older whisky to make this release stand out more. You will of course always get much better bang for your buck with something less collectable such as sherry or even Armagnac. All I can do is compare whisky to whisky though. I stopped buying A'bunadh because they started tasting younger and hotter. But its been a while so I am willing to re visit!! Cheers to you bud!!
I like it when you guys do reviews on quality entry level whiskies. I’ve got a random question. Been thinking about getting a bottle of Balvenie Tun 1401 batch 3 at auction but they’re going for about 1400 now. Is the 1401 batch 3 still your recommendation for an epic old school sherried whiskey below $3,000?
Its hard to recommend anyone to spend that kind of money. That being said we score the batch 3 in 94-95 range consistently. If you like balvenie and sherry then it will be stunning
Great review! I’m heading to LA soon and am dying to hit up K&L. Do they carry this? Are there any of their private bottlings I should keep an eye out for? (The amrut oloroso and glenrothes OP have caught my eye)
They are sold out of this unfortunately. A lot of their bottlings are coming soon and you can pre order. In terms of picking up a bottle from the store I recommend Michel Couvreur "Blossoming Auld Sherried"
I think it’s a bold claim to call it the best but I don’t disagree - it’s a great bottle, lots going on, price isn’t too obscene, and I struggle to think of another entry level 12yr that’s as good. I think Glenallachie 12 and Edradour 10 could give it a run for it’s money, but I think the balance of the spices, the fruit, the caramels, etc really is done well. Cheers for the review.
For 12 year old OB sherry bottles I don't see anything that I enjoy as much honestly. For us the Glenallachie 12 is solid but it tastes slightly manufactured. A review of that coming soon. Cheers!!
Narbe the Maiden release of the 30 year old is also stunning and for me much better than the current Macallan 25. Would be great to see you review this if you can get your hands on a bottle.
Great review! We need that comparison, at least between two of them, from the four released so far, 2020 2021 2022 2023. Cheers!
An absolutely stunning presentation and a near perfect whisky! Was hesitant at the price/age ratio but this really opened my eyes to the value of the whisky outside of expectations. Great review of this fantastic drop. Cheers.
Ya it really is the best sherried 12 on the market in my opinion!! Cheers!
I just picked up the 12yo 2021 release based on your glowing reviews. Was not disappointed. $55 here in Germany, so a real bargain for the taste experience
Great Value!
I've yet to try this, but it is not easily available here & not cheap either, but I trust your opinion & do know how old style Macallan is, so I'm putting this on the wishlist, but maybe more after your horizontal rundown to come !
Bought two of these about a year and a half ago from the UK on faith based on Roy's enthusiasm for this bottle. Having a dram of the second bottle along with you for this. When I opened the first one also opened an old light brown box Macallan 12 43% to have side by side. Your information on this being all European oak makes sense as the flavors are rich and bold. The old Mac 12 in contrast was much more delicate and refined. However that is something that is long gone so the comparison is strictly academic at this point. For what is being made here and now this is the best Sherry cask available. Cheers
I am actually looking forward to comparing them side by side. From memory it def reminded me of older mac 12s. Cheers bud!!
Can you please post a link of where I can buy? Thanks for reviewing.........Cheers!
Great review, even if I’m late 😂. Reading all the comments below I’m happy that I could manage to buy a 2021 release. The Maiden release is not available at the market anymore, but it is still possible to find the 2021 release in few shops.
slàinte mhath from Germany
That's a solid score from you. Glenturret distillery is a sleeper, mostly used as a blend I believe. I have the 12 & 17 yr Old Particular and their great at CS. I had the opportunity to buy the new Glenturret 12, but I was waiting for the new 15 yr with the 53% or 55% abv. I will now put this 12 yr on my list. When I don't know what scotch I'm in the mood for, I have no problem reaching for an entry level bottle especially when its good. Great review.
You are correct. Glenturret, billed as "the oldest CONTINUALLY working" distillery (not the oldest), was making product destined for blends (I'm sure you've heard of Famous Grouse). Now that the distillery paired with Lalique, they are trying to "rebrand" and are going full-tilt to try and catch the eyes and dollars of new customers. Bob Dalgarno (of Macallan fame) is now at the helm, and big things are expected. Of course, as for price, easy to see how the fancy "decanter-style" bottle is going to add to the cost, which is sometimes perceived as a distillery's attempt to cover-up some shortfall in the liquid itself. Whether the liquid can hold it's own is for us to determine, as the bottle is just old fashioned marketing fluff. Whatever happens to the brand, the next several years will undoubtedly be interesting for Glenturret.
@@CB-zx3jn Agreed, the decanter style of the new Glenturret is beautiful, but I would rather have a basic bottle with good juice at a lower cost. I have been lucky enough to buy a few bottles of the Famous Grouse 18 which is Macallan & HP juice. Can't beat that.
Hi Narbe, is this readily available where you are? I can’t find it anywhere here in Alberta, Canada? Thanks for all the awesome content you and mike put out!!
Not readily available. A couple sores had it but sold out fast.
Been drinking the 12 since they rebranded. Loved the 2020 maiden so much I stocked up with 12 bottles, down to 7 now. Got a bottle of the 2021 open at the moment it's good however love the 2020 better. Haven't tried the 2022 yet but will give it a go soon
Smart to get 12 bottles!! I really like the 2020 and 2021 but the 2022 seems to have dropped in quality. Perhaps the first couple releases used older casks, but not sure.
Nice review! Saw the 2021 review, and glad to be able to see your thoughts on the 2020 MR. So, "currently available on the shelf"? I'm curious, where did you find yours? I guess I missed the boat catching this video a month after release... I cannot find the 2020 version anywhere. Oh well, looks like I'm going to have to settle for the 2021 for now. I'm starting the think the 2020 version has become a unicorn. But isn't that always the way of things ;-) ? Keep up the good work!
The 2020 is not available anymore and I don't see the 2021 being available for much longer. You are not settling the 2021 is very good in my opinion. Cheers!!
I have a bottle of this Maiden Release, as it's now coined, and although there's not much left in it. I've just poured a teeny-weenie glass to follow Narb's description. It ticks all the right boxes for a solid 12 year old sherry, matured in decent casks. To me it's more reminiscent of old Glendronach sherry rather than Macallan. Indeed, Benriach, did a wonderful 12 year (46%) fully matured in oloroso casks. (What a tragedy Billy Walker sold up because those great distilleries - Glendronach and Benriach were selling top notch sherried whisky not so long ago.)
Oh dear, I just pored another teeny-weenie glass. I haven't had any of the later Glenturret 12 bottlings but it would be a shame if the quality has gone down since this inaugural release. There's a slightly dusty element to the Glenturret, in a good way, which is absent in Macallan. The nose is lovely with no flaws. On the palate, a sweet, dusty, sherry, very well integrated with the 46% alcohol (just as the old Benriach 12 was). Yep, a lovely dram although I want to steer clear of any hysteria. The reason we like it so much is because the general level of whisky has gone downhill, especially anything involving sherry casks. Like those sherry releases of yore, I think this Glenturret may well be topped down with older whisky in it. Nevertheless, it's obvious that some decent casks are used here.
A third and final dram has resulted in the demise of my bottle. I'll never have another. Like many an enjoyable fling it was good while it lasted and we part with a big juicy Bon Voyage. Here's some secondary thoughts though Narb. Sherry whisky does not taste like sherry. I get that and this is a whisky channel, but, how good a sherry can you buy for £65? Answer: Something mega good. Second point; in order to console myself on my Glenturret bottle kill I've poured a glass of Aberlour A'bunadh (Batch 74). With a few drops of water it's tasting just fine and, might I say, just as enjoyable as the Glenturret. I don't know what goes into the vatting of A'bunadh but it remains a fine sherry bomb. I go back to casks. It seems to me that only a handful of distilleries have access to top quality sherry casks today.
Cheers buddy (and Mike, in absentia).
WT 🥃
Happy to hear you enjoyed the last 3 drams while watching the review. I don't think the quality has dropped but it is different. We are def going to do a blind with our fav 12 year sherried whiskies and will include an older mac 12 to see how it does.
I would not be surprised if they included some older whisky to make this release stand out more.
You will of course always get much better bang for your buck with something less collectable such as sherry or even Armagnac. All I can do is compare whisky to whisky though.
I stopped buying A'bunadh because they started tasting younger and hotter. But its been a while so I am willing to re visit!!
Cheers to you bud!!
I like it when you guys do reviews on quality entry level whiskies. I’ve got a random question. Been thinking about getting a bottle of Balvenie Tun 1401 batch 3 at auction but they’re going for about 1400 now. Is the 1401 batch 3 still your recommendation for an epic old school sherried whiskey below $3,000?
Its hard to recommend anyone to spend that kind of money. That being said we score the batch 3 in 94-95 range consistently. If you like balvenie and sherry then it will be stunning
Based on your earlier review I picked up a bottle of the 2021 release which is really great. I'd love to try the Maiden release!
Both amazing in my opinion
@@maltreviews Yes, good to see that, so far, it is maintaining quality. Thanks for a great review!
Excellent review as usual ... to me Edradour Caledonia is even better and is the top 12y old sherry. Best
Edradour, Tamdhu and Glenturret are some fun options right now
@@maltreviews absolutely ... even if Tamdhu appears a more expensive brand (especially the 18y) that you brilliantly reviewed
Thanks Narby, appreciate the review. Hope Mike is still alive!
I have a bottle of the 2021 version on the way. Keep cool.
Appreciate you watching!! Of course he is!!! He should be bringing some solo reviews as well.
I hope you enjoy it as much as us!!
Sounds great. Sounds like what Macallan 12 sherry was 15 years ago
It def has some resemblance
Great review! I’m heading to LA soon and am dying to hit up K&L. Do they carry this? Are there any of their private bottlings I should keep an eye out for? (The amrut oloroso and glenrothes OP have caught my eye)
They are sold out of this unfortunately. A lot of their bottlings are coming soon and you can pre order. In terms of picking up a bottle from the store I recommend Michel Couvreur "Blossoming Auld Sherried"
@@maltreviews thanks! They also show a peated and sherried Michel couvreur, have you tried it? Definitely want to get something from Michel Couvreur
@@ericlanthespew8494 get the overaged if you want something less expensive.
@@maltreviews thanks so much! Looking forward to visiting the shop
I think it’s a bold claim to call it the best but I don’t disagree - it’s a great bottle, lots going on, price isn’t too obscene, and I struggle to think of another entry level 12yr that’s as good. I think Glenallachie 12 and Edradour 10 could give it a run for it’s money, but I think the balance of the spices, the fruit, the caramels, etc really is done well. Cheers for the review.
For 12 year old OB sherry bottles I don't see anything that I enjoy as much honestly. For us the Glenallachie 12 is solid but it tastes slightly manufactured. A review of that coming soon. Cheers!!
Narbe the Maiden release of the 30 year old is also stunning and for me much better than the current Macallan 25. Would be great to see you review this if you can get your hands on a bottle.
It better be better than the current Mac 25 lol. I am hearing good things from others as well and would love to try it.
Great review!
Thanks!
NEED!!
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