The Glenlivet Redefines Tradition with the Release of its Oldest Single Malt Scotch

NEW YORK – September 24, 2024 – The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, today unveiled a masterpiece that celebrates its excellence in whisky craftsmanship and design, embodying the originality that has defined it since its inception in 1824: The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old, the distillery’s oldest and most ambitious expression to date. 

Finished in a seasoned sherry cask and carefully matured over more than five decades, this precious single malt offers a complex flavor profile and astonishingly long finish. The luxurious taste experience offers 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 flavors of blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced with zesty citrus notes on the palate. A true rarity, only 100 beautifully crafted bottles of this meticulously crafted whisky will be available. 

In partnership with computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer, the 55 Year Old single malt whisky sits within a strikingly beautiful sculpture that 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. In a stunning display of contemporary modelling through computer programming, this art piece brings subtle intricacies that are testament to the craftsmanship at the heart of every creation from The Glenlivet. 

“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.” 

This exceptional 55 Year Old single malt is the First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection – a new range of highly collectable precious whiskies, released annually. All future releases — each taken from a single, extraordinary cask — will be aged for one additional year and will be accompanied by an original artform crafted by a new visionary artist. Together, this will create a collection to cherish. 

“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.” 

In tandem with the launch of its oldest single malt, and to further honor its 200 th anniversary, The Glenlivet has partnered with Sotheby’s to create a unique auction lot. A bespoke 55 Year Old single malt whisky, presented with a one-of-a-kind Hansmeyer sculpture, will be available exclusively at auction from October 18th - November 1st, with all proceeds to benefit National Trust for Scotland, dedicated to conserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. 

“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 Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition: 55-Year-Old in collaboration with Michael Hansmeyer, will be available in select premium whisky retailers for an SRP of $55,000. 

ABOUT THE GLENLIVET 

Founded by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malt category. With a commitment to outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within the single malt category in recent years. Standout initiatives include the launch of The Glenlivet Fusion Cask a category-first innovation that offers an elevated, one-of-a-kind taste experience by selectively finishing The Glenlivet's iconic single malt Scotch whisky in bespoke casks that are uniquely crafted by fusing dismantled rum and bourbon barrels. The Glenlivet has also recently launched its newly renovated brand home to open up Speyside to the world. Using innovative technology combined with exclusive bottlings, immersive tours and whisky tastings, The Glenlivet Brand Home brings visitors an experience like no other. From exploring the art of whisky making and showcasing rare editions, to reflecting The Glenlivet's heritage throughout the interiors, the visitor experience pays homage to being the original mark of quality for Speyside single malt.

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence Rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Sparkling. Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. 

Michael Hansmeyer is a pioneer in computational architecture; exploring the use of algorithms to generate and fabricate new and unique architectural forms. With an experimental approach and a will to push boundaries, plus seek new materials, new shapes and new functionalities, his work represents a ‘new and bold vision of craft’. It has been shown at the Museum of Arts and Design New York, Palais de Tokyo in Paris , Martin Gropius Bau Berlin, Design Miami / Basel, and the Gwangju Design Biennale. His work also resides in the permanent collections of FRAC Centre and Centre Pompidou. Artist of BMW Art Club 2022, his ‘Building unimaginable shapes’ TED Talk has been viewed almost one million times.

Jordan Serafino Strategic Brand Communications Manager, Pernod Ricard USA 

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Regina LoBiondo Articulate on behalf of The Glenlivet