Kirkland Signature Glenlivet 40

[HeathMIS]

just curious if anyone has tried the Kirkland Signature Glenlivet 40yo?

I saw that it was on sale at Costco but not sure what it compares to and if it is worth the cost.

I have tried the Glenlivet 21yo Archive and the Glenlivet XXV and have liked both but this is more expensive.

[mbroo5880i]

Is this the one that is in a glass case for about $500 or $600?

[HeathMIS]

it wasn't in a glass case (empty box on shelf)

it said regular price was $699 but on sale for $499

[mbroo5880i]

Gotcha! Yeah, I have seen it at two Indy area Costco's. It is in a glass case at both. I have never had Glenlivet older than 12 years so I have not frame of reference on what's in the bottle. Hopefully, some scotch experts can weigh in. I am interested as well. I don't think I will buy it because I can't afford that much but I have always been curious.

[amg]

The oldest Glenlivet I've had was the 18-year, and it was a totally pleasant unpeated scotch that won't offend anyone. I'm guessing that at 40 years it's a wimpier version of that.

[HeathMIS]

The oldest Glenlivet I've had was the 18-year, and it was a totally pleasant unpeated scotch that won't offend anyone. I'm guessing that at 40 years it's a wimpier version of that.

A friend of mine described Glenlivet as a safe, uncomplexed scotch.

I agree with him to a certain extent but for what they do I think they do well.

I guess my main worry is that at that age, the scotch would be sweet and almost too smooth for my taste.

I could be completely wrong, though.

Or could be just marginally better than some of their other offerings with a much higher price tag.

If I am wrong and it is outstanding, I could see myself buying it for when I have company.

[Clavius]

$500 for Glenlivet?

Count me out even if I had more money than I knew what to do with.

[garbanzobean]

I have no idea if it is good or bad, but I would be hesitant to drop $500 blind on something with very little in the way of reviews. Especially since the Kirkland brand isn't well known for punching above its weight when it comes to QPR. I have spent $500 on exactly one bottle if whisky so far, and that was a steeply discounted 2013 Brora 35 (official bottling). It also happens to be the absolute best whisky I have ever tasted in my life.

For what it's worth, the Berry Bros and Rudd Glenlivet 40 is $399 here. I still wouldn't buy that because I don't really care for Glenlivet.

Just like bourbon, old scotch is very tricky. It is a rare cask that makes it to 40 and is something truly special.

[garbanzobean]

I should reiterate that the point of my post was that I was cautioned strongly by multiple SBers that the chance to buy Brora 35yr OB at $499 was likely an opportunity that would only come rarely in my life. Before the SBers got in my head, I had every intention of passing on that, as I have on multiple independent bottlings of Port Ellen at significantly less than $500 (I don't regret passing on those at all, BTW). After having tried the 2013 Brora 35, I almost wish I had bought the store out. I don't regret my purchase in the least. My gut instinct is that Kirkland's Glenlivet 40 is not one of those rare opportunities for you. Depending on where you live, some absolutely amazing whisky can be had at $500 with just about zero risk that you won't enjoy it, so why take a pretty large risk on this?

[HeathMIS]

I think the only reason I was considering it was because it was $200 off and lately I have been drinking bourbon and the limited release stuff is sold out so quickly that you have to decide almost immediately if you find one.

I tried to find info on it while in the store but since I couldn't, I decided it was way too risky for that price.

Of course I drink scotch when I go to Vegas and each drink can cost between $60-100 so maybe $500 isn't that outrageous but only if it is something you really like and tastes better or different than others.

[garbanzobean]

Yeah unless you are regularly dropping $500-$1000+ for a bottle of whisky and don't mind getting a dud occasionally at that price range, I don't think this would be a good risk. If you like Speysiders, Glenfarclas 40 is obtainable for around that, as an example. There's almost always a really nice Diageo special release or two hanging out for about that as well. At any rate, you have nicer choices in that price range (especially if you can order online). If it NEEDS to be 40 years old your choices will be more limited, but still very doable.

[VT Mike]

Whisky Advocate gave it an 83 point rating. Here's what they said:

Bottling of a large package of 12 butts and 30 hoggies dating from 1972. The nose is slightly closed initially, but shows good mature distillery character: old apple, potpourri, more raspberry, and furniture polish. The palate is a little dry, with humidor and light chocolate, but needs water to bring out the fruit-sugar sweetness. It’s good, but that low bottling strength has sapped it of the energy which is vital for old whiskies.

[garbanzobean]

Whisky Advocate gave it an 83 point rating. Here's what they said:

Bottling of a large package of 12 butts and 30 hoggies dating from 1972. The nose is slightly closed initially, but shows good mature distillery character: old apple, potpourri, more raspberry, and furniture polish. The palate is a little dry, with humidor and light chocolate, but needs water to bring out the fruit-sugar sweetness. It’s good, but that low bottling strength has sapped it of the energy which is vital for old whiskies.

Thanks for sharing that. It didn't even occur to me to check WA! Well there you go, a rating from a magazine that prides itself on scoring spirits irrespective of price. Definitely does not sound like an efficient use of your $500. If you really want to spend that kind of money on a single bottle (no judgments here; glass houses and all that), I can think of a few posters on here who can give you great advice.

[VT Mike]

That being said, I've had the Kirkland blended Scotch and it's quite good. Obviously it is at a much lower price point, but worth trying if you can find it.

[jvd99]

A couple of those have been sitting around my Costco for months. I personally never considered it. If I'm dropping $500+ on a single malt, its probably going to be on something else with more provenance than Kirkland.

[grantsi]

There was a rep in a kilt at the Lincoln park costco on Saturday - he had a stack of 10 bottles of the 40 - list $599. Telling everyone it just won "double gold" and was "the best Costco has ever seen"

[jvd99]

What hasn't won a double gold in some spirits "competition"?

[Jono]

At 40 years all you may have are wood notes as the Glenlivet is not a big, bold whisky.

http://scotchnsniff.com/2014/06/30/the-glenlivet-40/

A very favorable review.

Edited December 23, 2014 by Jono

[t44tq]

There was a rep in a kilt at the Lincoln park costco on Saturday - he had a stack of 10 bottles of the 40 - list $599. Telling everyone it just won "double gold" and was "the best Costco has ever seen"

The best that Costco has ever seen isn't saying much. The KS 18 that I bought earlier in the year was atrociously bad. The Trader Joe's 23 yr. from Alexander Murray was much better, but totally unremarkable. Neither was worth $40.

[grantsi]

The best that Costco has ever seen isn't saying much. The KS 18 that I bought earlier in the year was atrociously bad. The Trader Joe's 23 yr. from Alexander Murray was much better, but totally unremarkable. Neither was worth $40.

Ha...I had no idea trader joes had a 23 year scotch...how much was it?

[t44tq]

Ha...I had no idea trader joes had a 23 year scotch...how much was it?

About $40. They had a small amount and I had to ask about it.

A friend of mine tried to get one and they wouldn't sell him one- I think the manager was hoarding it.

[grantsi]

About $40. They had a small amount and I had to ask about it.

A friend of mine tried to get one and they wouldn't sell him one- I think the manager was hoarding it.

Was it drinkable?

[t44tq]

Was it drinkable?

It was fine, but rather bland. Definitely not a good choice, even for $40. I'd rather go with HP 12 or one of the cheaper Compass Box blends, or Cutty Sark Prohibition.