Oldest Age Statement Whisky Yet, Released by The Glenlivet

Two hundred years of production is an impressive milestone, especially when you consider that the original Glenlivet distillery – the first legal distillery in the Livet Valley in Speyside, was a decision so unpopular with the neighbours, they threatened to burn it down!

Fortunately for whisky drinkers The Glenlivet survived the protests and stands as a monument to perseverance and tradition. And this 200-year-old legacy is now being celebrated with a momentous collection of aged whiskies called ‘The Glenlivet Eternal Collection’ which is to be released over the coming years.

Ultra-limited-edition releases

Launching the collection with grandeur is their oldest whisky to date. This First Edition, at 55 years old is limited to just 100 beautiful bottles, with each future annual release to be one additional year older, and having been taken from a single seasoned sherry cask.

Whilst the whisky itself is contained within a beautiful spherical bottle, it is a stunning piece of artwork that cradles the bottle itself. Collaborating with Michael Hansmeyer, a computational architect and programmer, a masterpiece has been created fusing the elements of the Scottish landscape surrounding the River Livet, the river itself and the craftsmanship of the Glenlivet whisky making.

“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.” – Michael Hansmeyer.

And the piece is indeed a stunning representation. Computationally designed, the 3D printed inside of the sculpture has been 24-carat rose gold plated, with the precise algorithmic patterns seemingly intertwining with delicate swirls and tendrils of natural composition. All of which are cupped within a base of Brazilian emerald quartzite.

When the bottled sits cradled within the sculpture, the rose gold reflects the deep amber hue of the whisky, creating a luminous halo, a truly breathtaking partnership.

A whisky of complexity and timelessness

The Glenlivet’s cask master Kevin Balmforth presided over the cask for the last few years of its maturation and describes the whisky’s taste experience 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.”

He describes how the First Edition and the rest of the Eternal Collection is the result of decades of experience and collaboration between past and present cask experts.

“The introduction of The Eternal Collection represents a monumental moment for whisky connoisseurs and luxury appreciators to add a pivotal piece of Scotch whisky legacy to their collection. It epitomises The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.”

Priced at £42,975 this ultra-limited-edition whisky is available only at The Whisky Exchange.