The Glenlivet has continued celebrations for its 200th anniversary with a milestone release. At 55 Years Old, The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition is the oldest single malt whisky ever released by the Speyside distillery.
Drawn from a seasoned sherry cask, just 100 bottles of the 55-year-old whisky will be released. The release marks the first in the distillery’s Eternal Collection, which will see a single-cask whisky released annually, each aged for an additional year.
Each whisky in the collection will be accompanied by an artform created by a different artist. The first edition is presented with a sculpture designed by computational architect Michael Hansmeyer.
Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet cask master, said: “The 55 Years 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.
“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. It epitomises The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.”
Balmforth had custody of the 55 Years Old through its final years of maturation. His tasting notes for the liquid describe “a medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges and sticky dates enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose”, with blackcurrant jam, vanilla fudge, and citrus on the palate.
The sculpture designed by Hansmeyer is inspired by the river Livet, which runs through the Spey Valley in which The Glenlivet Distillery lies. Made with jesmonite and rose-gold plating, the sculpture houses the 55-year-old’s decanter.
Reflecting on the artwork, Hansmeyer said: “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.”
Alongside the launch, The Glenlivet will partner with Sotheby’s to auction one bespoke 55-year-old whisky and accompanying Hansmayer sculpture. Available exclusively at auction from 22nd October–5th November, the proceeds will go to the National Trust for Scotland.
Another release from The Glenlivet was revealed earlier this year, also in celebration of the two-century anniversary: The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition 12 Years Old.
The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition: 55 Years Old will be available at The Whisky Exchange for RRP £42,975 from September 2024. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com.
