French liquor giant Pernod Ricard is introducing the world’s first collection of
rare 50yo single malt Scotch whiskies from The Glenlivet, on sale from October
2014.
Vintage 1964 is the first release from this collection, which
is expected to become one of the most sought-after whisky collections on the
planet, according to the French liquor giant. Eleven of the 100 bottles
available worldwide will be sold in travel retail across Europe, Asia and
Pacific from mid-October. The price will be left to the discretion of the individual
retailers, said a Pernod Ricard spokesman.
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| The Glenlivet Vintage 1964 |
Of the hand-crafted bottles available to travel retailers, Europe’s
allocation will be unveiled at the World Duty Free stores in London Heathrow
Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 on October 24.
Eight bottles will also be available for sale across Asian
airports, including Singapore Changi. One bottle of this rare release will be
allocated to the company’s Pacific division, which will feature on the connoisseur’s
wall at Sydney airport.
The Glenlivet’s global brand director Nikki Burgess said: “The allocation of these bottles of hand-crafted Vintage 1964 to Pernod Ricard Travel Retail is a statement that reflects the growing appetite of high net worth passengers for extraordinary unique expressions. Travel retail is an increasingly critical channel for luxury products and offers huge potential for growth as customers search for the latest premium products in-airport.”
Nigel Sandals, liquor category buying manager UK at World Duty Free Group, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be launching two bottles of this luxury expression in the World Duty Free Stores at Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 5, and we are delighted to be partnering with The Glenlivet for this rare release. This partnership highlights the enduring benchmark of quality that is set by both The Glenlivet and World Duty Free Group.”
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| The hand-blown glass decanter has a jewel-like stopper |
The spirit inside The Glenlivet Winchester Collection started
when decorated war hero, Captain Bill Smith-Grant – the last descendent of The
Glenlivet distillery’s founder, George Smith – laid down a specially selected
cask in 1964. The current Master Distiller, Alan Winchester – from whom the
collection takes its name – has declared that Vintage 1964 is ready to be
enjoyed.
“This release marks a milestone for The Glenlivet,” said
Winchester. “Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days
that I’m immensely proud to introduce the first of these rare vintages of
preserved stocks from the distillery’s rich past. They’re a testament to our
legacy of quality and to those who have nurtured this whisky over the years,
including Captain Bill Smith-Grant, who played such a pivotal role introducing
our single malt to the world.”
Hand-crafted by artisans
Every element of the presentation has been hand-crafted by
artisans from the British Isles, from hand-blown glass to the inclusion of
precious materials such as rose gold and Cairngorm Stone.
Acclaimed Scottish glass artists Nichola Burns and Brodie
Nairn (GLASSTORM) created the decanter design, inspired by The Glenlivet’s
history. Completing the decanter is a jewel-like stopper, designed by
internationally acclaimed silversmith Richard Fox, whose past commissions have
included Formula One and Rolls-Royce. The design combines precious materials
such as rose gold, and is crowned with a Cairngorm Stone, often known as The
Whisky Stone as a result of its distinctive colouring.
Vintage 1964’s presentation cabinet was designed by
award-winning furniture maker, John Galvin. Galvin has applied traditional
cabinet-making techniques to a contemporary design, resulting in a bespoke
piece.
Tasting notes
The Vintage 1964 cask was made of American oak seasoned with
bourbon, full of the signature fruity notes of The Glenlivet, intensified with
age. Ripe pears, oranges and black cherries combine, while smooth, creamy
toffee notes give a rich, velvety texture. In the background, hints of
caramelised sugar endure on the palate.
An undisclosed number of further releases from The
Winchester Collection will follow over the next few years, with Vintage 1966 the
next in line.
