The Glenlivet Redefines Tradition With The Release Of Its Oldest Single Malt

The 55 year-old expression – the highest age statement ever to be released by The Glenlivet – is unveiled as it marks a 200-year legacy

25th September 2024 The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has 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, in collaboration with computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer.

A true rarity, The Glenlivet’s oldest and most ambitious expression to date comprises just 100 beautifully crafted bottles, while every aspect of the new release has been considered with meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from a seasoned sherry cask and carefully matured over more than five decades, this precious single malt offers a complex flavour profile and astonishingly long finish. 

In partnership with pioneering artist, 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, which is located deep in the Spey Valley where The Glenlivet was born, Hansmeyer brought his unique expertise in computational architecture to create this highly original art piece.

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. 

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master who was responsible for directing the final maturation years of the 55 Year Old whisky, describes the 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.”

Speaking about the inspiration behind the sculpture Michael Hansmeyer, computational architect & programmer, explained: “My work captures the intersection of architecture and the arts. It is a laboratory for experimenting with new possibilities, and that is where I saw the 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.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master added: “The 55 Year 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.” 

The First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, will be released in September 2024. The masterpiece was first unveiled during an exclusive 200 year anniversary celebration hosted at The Glenlivet’s iconic distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The Glenlivet Distillery is open for guests to explore the full portfolio from The Glenlivet and enjoy interactive visitor experiences. 

In tandem with the launch of its oldest single malt, and to further honour its 200th 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 22nd October – 4th November 2024, 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 in collaboration with Michael Hansmeyer, will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange for RRP €50,000. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet. Click to register early interest in the one-of-one auction

THE GLENLIVET 55 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES: 

• 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 crystalised 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.