Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business behind The Glenlivet and Aberlour, has announced the release of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 — an ultra-rare single malt created in collaboration with Sotheby’s for its upcoming Finest & Rarest Whisky Auction (6–20 November 2025).
Representing more than five decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and maturation expertise, this one-of-a-kind release was crafted under the guidance of Master Blender Kevin Balmforth. Working closely with sherry experts in Spain, Balmforth developed a bespoke seasoning blend combining Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Palo Cortado, used to season a new Spanish oak cask before the whisky was laid down more than four years ago. The whisky’s maturation combined the influence of this custom sherry butt with an American oak barrel, yielding layers of vanilla, toffee, orchard fruit, and honeyed richness — a finish unlike anything previously seen in The Glenlivet’s history.
The bottle itself is a work of art: a 24-carat gold-plated spherical decanter, engraved with gold heather branches, topped with a 137.73 carat lab-grown Paraiba Tourmaline simulant. It rests upon a bespoke sculptural plinth designed by Fredrikson Stallard, featuring 3D-printed heather branches plated in 24-carat gold that rise from a base of Guatemalan green marble — a tribute to the rugged beauty of Speyside and the whisky’s profound depth.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the National Trust for Scotland, supporting archaeological excavations in the Cairngorms, where erosion threatens to erase prehistoric sites. The initiative continues The Glenlivet’s five-year partnership with the Trust, reinforcing its commitment to preserving Scottish heritage.
This announcement follows The Glenlivet’s recent success at the Distillers One of One Charity Auction (October 2025), where The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 achieved a record-breaking £650,000, setting new benchmarks for the brand and the category.
Estimated between £35,000–£70,000, The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 is bottled at 42.7% ABV and offers a rich sensory journey:
- Nose: Poached plums, sticky dates, and dark chocolate ganache.
- Palate: Fresh blackberries, ripe banana, and cherry compote.
- Finish: Velvety, sweet, and complex with lingering notes of dark chocolate.
“Through our partnership with Sotheby’s, we’re giving collectors access to rare Scotch drawn from the heart of our archives,” said Jacques-Henri Brive, Global Head of Luxury Development at Chivas Brothers. “The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition reflects our legacy of creating the world’s finest high-aged whiskies — a true piece of Scotch history.”
“Even as the fine whisky market steadies, demand for exceptional liquid remains unwavering,” added Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s. “This release embodies rarity, provenance, and artistry — the pinnacle of luxury Scotch.”
Early interest in the auction can be registered at www.sothebys.com/theglenlivet561o1
