The Glenlivet has unveiled its oldest and rarest single malt scotch to date. In celebration of the distillery’s 200th anniversary, The Glenlivet has launched The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition 55 Year Old.
This ambitious release, created in partnership with computational artist, Michael Hansmeyer, will be available via selected premium whisky retailers for an SRP of $55,000. You can register your interest in purchasing a bottle here.
The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old
The luxury single malt whisky was carefully matured for over five decades at The Glenlivet Distillery and finished in a seasoned sherry cask. Only 100 bottles have been produced.
Tasting notes for the whisky are as follows (provided by The Glenlivet):
Trending Stories
- “On the 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.
- “On the 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.
- “To finish: Incredibly long, the finish is distinct and complex; evolving through fruit and spices to culminate with a subtle warming dry and spicy finish.”
“The Glenlivet is proud to push the boundaries of flavor to provide prestige spirits drinkers new and evolved ways to experience the rich heritage of single malt Scotch whisky,” said Johan Radojewski, Vice President Marketing – Scotch & Irish Whisk(e)y, Pernod Ricard USA. “The introduction of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old, our most prestigious expression yet, marks a milestone for The Glenlivet as we continue to deliver on unique and expertly crafted whisky experiences to lead the single malt Scotch whisky category forward in the US.”
The Michael Hansmeyer Sculpture
The 55 Year Old Glenlivet is presented in a spherical decanter, nestled inside a stunning sculpture created by computational artist, Michael Hansmeyer. Taking inspiration from the River Livet, which flows near the distillery, the sculpture is reminiscent of a sea shell. The sculpture is crafted from hand-sculpted jesmonite with rose gold plating. It was first conceptualized through computer programming before being brought to life for this special purpose.
“My work captures the intersection of architecture and the arts,” said Hansmeyer. “It is a laboratory for experimenting with new possibilities, and that is where I saw harmony in collaborating with The Glenlivet. Weaving threads of intelligent technologies to create something that escapes conformity and classification to celebrate such an aged whisky has been a thrill. 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.”
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Eternal Collection
The Glenlivet 55 Year Old is the first edition of the brand’s newest luxury series: The Eternal Collection. A new, old, and rare whisky will be released annually as part of the collection, all taken from a single cask. A different artist will collaborate with The Glenlivet each year to produce unique art forms that will accompany the bottles.
“Thanks to decades of collaboration from our team of cask experts, past and present, 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,” said Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master. “It epitomizes The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.”
The Glenlivet & Sotheby’s
As well as the launch of this rare and precious single malt, The Glenlivet has partnered with Sotheby’s to auction a one-of-a-kind lot. A bespoke 55 Year Old whisky presented with a completely unique Michael Hansmeyer sculpture will be presented at auction from October 22nd to November 5th, 2024. All proceeds from the sale will benefit National Trust for Scotland.
What Did Mark Littler Make Of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection First Edition 55 Year Old?
Our very own Mark Littler attended the launch party for The Glenlivet Eternal Collection First Edition 55 Year Old last night. When I asked him about the experience he said:
“The event was amazing. It was held in the stillhouse at the distillery with about 200 people in attendance. Amazing whiskies all night, I was drinking The Glenlivet Old Fashioned made with the 21 Year Old. For me, the 18 Year Old was the standout.
“The 55 Year Old launched with amazing fanfare, with a huge video screen that parted to reveal the bottle and the sculpture. It looks fantastic.”
Mark was also one of the very lucky few who was able to taste the 55 Year Old whisky. ‘How was it?’ I asked.
“Come on. I was in the stillhouse at The Glenlivet drinking their oldest official bottling to date. Of course, it tasted like the best whisky in the world. It was the equivalent of travelling to a French chateau and drinking wine in the sunlight. Of course, it tasted amazing. The ceremony and circumstance made the drinking experience all the more incredible.”
Mark also thinks that the launch of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection First Edition 55 Year Old marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Glenlivet, perhaps one that will focus increasingly on luxury and premiumization. “If you look at The Glenlivet’s 50 Year Old, The Winchester, this is on a completely different scale.”
Latest News