As part of its ongoing 200th anniversary celebrations, The Glenlivet has unveiled the first release in its Eternal Collection: a 55-Year-Old single malt whisky, the oldest ever released by the renowned Speyside distillery. Limited to just 100 bottles, this exclusive offering marks a historic milestone for The Glenlivet and sets the stage for an annual tradition, where each whisky in the Eternal Collection will be aged an additional year.
A Unique Fusion of Whisky and Art
The 55-Year-Old whisky was drawn from a seasoned sherry cask and comes accompanied by a striking art piece, making this release even more extraordinary. Each edition in the Eternal Collection will feature a unique artform crafted by a different artist. For the First Edition, The Glenlivet collaborated with computational architect Michael Hansmeyer, whose design reflects the beauty of the Scottish landscape surrounding the distillery.
Hansmeyer’s sculpture, made from jesmonite and rose-gold plating, is inspired by the River Livet that runs through the Spey Valley and elegantly houses the whisky’s decanter. Hansmeyer remarked, “My work captures the intersection of architecture and the arts… I created this sculpture as a tribute to the complexity of The Glenlivet’s oldest expression and the rugged beauty of the distillery’s Scottish landscape, capturing the spirit of where innovation meets tradition.”
Masterful Tasting Experience
Cask master Kevin Balmforth, who oversaw the whisky’s final years of maturation, described the tasting experience of this 55-Year-Old single malt as nothing short of exceptional. On the nose, there’s a “medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges, and sticky dates, enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.” The palate offers rich flavors of blackcurrant jam, vanilla fudge, and citrus, creating a deep and satisfying finish.
Balmforth shared his excitement for this monumental release, stating, “The 55-Year-Old is the highest age Scotch ever released from The Glenlivet Distillery, and combined with the incredible talent of Michael, it tells of the timelessness of The Glenlivet. It epitomises The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.“
Auction and Limited Availability
The Glenlivet is also partnering with Sotheby’s to auction a bespoke bottle of the 55-Year-Old whisky, paired with an exclusive Hansmeyer sculpture. The auction will take place between 18th November and 1st December 2024, with proceeds benefiting the National Trust for Scotland, supporting the preservation of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Whisky enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this rare release can look forward to its exclusive availability at The Whisky Exchange, with an RRP of £42,975 from September 2024.
