The Glenlivet Releases 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
The Glenlivet has unveiled its oldest release to date: The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old.
Matured more than five decades and finished in a seasoned sherry cask, the 55 Year Old single malt is the first edition in a new range of whiskies set to be released annually. All future releases — each taken from a single cask — will be aged for one additional year and will be presented in an original sculpture crafted by a new artist.
The 55 Year Old single malt is presented in a sculpture created by computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer. The sculpture takes inspiration from the home of The Glenlivet, mirroring the eternal essence and flow of the River Livet. With hand-sculpted jesmonite and rose-gold plating, the sculpture perfectly houses the spherical decanter of the 55 Year Old.
Official tasting notes for The Glenlivet 55 Year Old follow:
Nose: The nose is met with the warmth of Autumn fruits; a gentle sweetness of poached pears is harmonised by heady citrus notes of ripe, sun-drenched Seville oranges, whilst a deeper note of sticky dates grounds the trio. These are matched in the deep warmth of toasted hazelnut and the indulgent richness of dark chocolate, finishing with the enveloping, spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Palate: On the palate, the whisky releases deep and warming flavours of homemade blackcurrant jam, vanilla fudge and dark chocolate; balanced with zesty orange and crystalized ginger before closing with a touch of warming clove spice.
Finish: Incredibly long, the finish is distinct and complex; evolving through fruit and spices to culminate with a subtle warming dry and spicy finish.
In tandem with the launch of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, the distillery has partnered with Sotheby’s to create a unique auction lot featuring a bespoke 55 Year Old single malt presented with a one-of-a-kind Hansmeyer sculpture. The auction will run from October 22nd-November 5th, with all proceeds to benefit National Trust for Scotland, dedicated to conserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old is presented at 42.2% ABV and is limited to only 100 bottles. It will be available at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $55,000. To learn more and register interest in purchasing a bottle, visit theglenlivet.com. To register interest in the one-of-one auction, visit sothebys.com.
Source: The Glenlivet.