The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has marked a significant milestone with the release of its oldest expression to date. The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55-Year-Old, celebrates 200 years of whisky-making excellence. This rare release is a fusion of tradition and innovation, created in collaboration with renowned computational architect Michael Hansmeyer.
A Limited Edition Masterpiece
Only 100 bottles of this exclusive 55-Year-Old single malt have been crafted. Matured in a seasoned sherry cask for over five decades, this whisky offers a complex and layered flavour profile, promising a memorable tasting experience.
An Artistic Collaboration
The whisky is encased within a bespoke sculpture by Michael Hansmeyer. Drawing inspiration from the River Livet, which flows through The Glenlivet’s home in Speyside, Hansmeyer employed computational architecture to design a piece that reflects the eternal nature of the distillery’s legacy. The sculpture, crafted from hand-sculpted jesmonite with rose-gold plating, cradles a spherical decanter, combining modern technology with artisanal detail.
Tasting Notes
Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, describes the whisky as “a medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges and sticky dates enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, alongside the sweet, warming flavours of homemade blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced with zesty citrus notes on the palate.”
The Eternal Collection: A New Chapter
This release marks the first in The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, a series of annual releases from single extraordinary casks. Each edition will be aged an additional year and paired with an original art piece by a visionary artist.
A Celebration of 200 Years
The launch of the 55-Year-Old whisky coincides with The Glenlivet’s 200th anniversary. The distillery, a landmark in Speyside, hosted an exclusive celebration for the occasion. Visitors can explore The Glenlivet’s full portfolio and enjoy interactive experiences at the distillery.
Exclusive Auction
To further honour this milestone, The Glenlivet has partnered with Sotheby’s for a special auction. From 18th October to 1st November 2024, a bespoke version of the 55-Year-Old whisky, paired with a one-of-a-kind Hansmeyer sculpture, will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the National Trust for Scotland.
Avaliability
The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55-Year-Old will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange for €50,000. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com and to register for the Sotheby’s auction, visit sothebys.com.
