This whisky will be available in November. The name, Triumph, based on the barley variety used exclusively for this whisky, which their press release says is not longer being used by the distillery.
If you like more oak influence (and a mouth-coating one at that), then go for the new Triumph 1991, but if you want your Glenlivet more vibrant and lively, then stick with the original 16 year old expression. (I like both equally.)
The Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph 1991, 48%, $85
Richly textured with mouth-coating malt that is balanced by an array of lively fruit (fresh peach, nectarine, tangerine, pears in honey, and delicately caramelized pineapple). Creamy caramel, crème brulee, anise and subtle toasted marshmallow add complexity, as does its gently spicy, pleasingly dry finish. Two years older than the standard 16 year old Nadurra (which I like for its vibrancy and freshness). This new Triumph 1991 is richer and more textured, with more caramelized sugars, riper barley, and greater fruit impact. More mouth-coating too. (Exclusive to the U.S.)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 91
Thanks for this update, John. Can’t wait.
Two-bit, and for once, the U.S. is getting the whisky instead of the other way around.
The regular cask strength Nadurra is one of my all time favorites. Although I have to admit that it has probably been over 2 years since I have had a bottle on my shelf.
I’m happy to see that the PALCB will be stocking this, and I’ll definitely give it a try. Non-cask-strength doens’t bother me here. At least it isn’t 40% or 43%. (side note: it seems Glenlivet is getting it right here, bottling around 50%.)
Maybe the rest of the world will get the CS version this time?
[...] The Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph 1991 * – I’m specifically recommending the “Triumph” version of the Nadurra for my fellow Americans. It’s a limited bottling exclusive to the United States. I’m a sucker for that kind of thing. Plus, it got a great review by John Hansell (link). $85. [...]
This whisky is as good as some $500+/bottle whisky I had the honor of drinking with a retired general years ago. It is almost as good as their 21 and XXV special reserve releases, but this whisky does carry a bit more of an ‘old school’ whisky feel/taste to it. Also, it is a limited release… so pick up 3 bottles like I did… one to try, one to celebrate something grand (its going to be my wedding gift to me… lol) and one to place in my booze rack ex-wine fridge (it was free… figured it would work for beer and liquor…have it set at 50 degrees with the beer at the bottom where it is cooler) hey it organizes and holds my liquor, and best part… LOCK AND KEY!!!! That way I can protect such wonderful distilled and aged wonders such as this wonderful Nadurra 1991 Triumph…. and store it in optimal conditions. Plus it looks hella classy…