The Glenlivet 12 is one of the best-known single malts in the world, so when the distillery decides to send it on vacation, it's worth paying attention. The Provence Edition is the second stop in Glenlivet's "Beyond Speyside" series, and it trades the Scottish Highlands for lavender fields, rosé afternoons and the sun-drenched south of France.
The whisky starts as classic 12-year-old Glenlivet from the Livet Valley in Speyside, where George Smith founded the distillery in 1824. It's then finished in French sweet wine casks (think Sauternes and Rivesaltes) along with casks from a Provence Cru Classé wine estate, a cask combination Glenlivet had never used before.
The result is pure sunshine. Delicate floral aromas lead into ripe orchard fruit: white peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus. The palate stays juicy and light on its feet, and the finish is smooth and mellow with lingering sun-ripened fruit. VinePair gave it 91 points and called it "fruity, juicy, and sessionable," which is about as good a summary as you'll find.
It's lovely neat or over ice, but it really shines in a long drink. Try a Provençal-style spritz with soda and a twist of lemon, or pair it with peach and tonic for a bright, aromatic highball.
A limited edition launched in fall 2026, this is a great bottle for Scotch fans who like their whisky fruit-forward, and an easy gateway for wine lovers curious about single malt.
12 Years | 40% ABV | 750 mL.
