The Glenlivet Introduces Its Oldest Permanent Whisky: 40 Years, 46.9% ABV

Glenlivet, famed for their Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has just announced an exceptional new offering in its repertoire: 40-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky at 46.9% ABV is now officially on permanent release! This milestone release follows closely behind Glenlivet Distillery's 200th-anniversary celebrations held earlier in 2024, signaling another chapter in its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

The Significance of The Glenlivet’s 40-Year-Old Whisky

This release marks a landmark moment for The Glenlivet and the whisky industry as a whole. While aged whiskies are usually reserved for limited edition collections, The Glenlivet has chosen to include its 40-Year-Old as part of its portfolio permanently and demonstrate their dedication to providing unparalleled quality whisky products on an ongoing basis.

Aged whiskies have become more sought after, and this release reinforces The Glenlivet's status as an early pioneer of Scotch. This honors George Smith's vision to craft "the single malt that started it all.".

What Makes The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old Unique?

The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old was aged to perfection over four decades under the careful watchfulness of experts at Glenlivet Distillery—Cask Master Kevin Balmforth among them—to ensure its exceptional depth and complexity. A unique finishing process in custom sherry casks from Jerez, Spain, with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherries, provided additional depth.

Flavor Profile

• Nose: Aromas of poached plums, charred orange, dark cherries, and braised red apples mingle with hints of warming spices.
• Palate: Rich, layered flavors of plums, dark chocolate, and licorice unfold, complemented by subtle hints of apple—a signature of Speyside whiskies.
• Finish: Long and sweet, with lingering warming spices that make each sip memorable.

The cask strength of 46.9% ABV enhances the whisky’s robust character while maintaining balance and elegance, offering a dram that appeals to both seasoned connoisseurs and new whisky enthusiasts.

A Testament to Legacy and Innovation

The Glenlivet's decision to offer this 40-year-old whisky as a permanent expression speaks volumes about their vision for the future, reflecting both increasing consumer interest in ultra-premium aged whiskies while simultaneously emphasizing their dedication to their craft.

"This release marks four decades of hard work and craftsmanship from our team," states Kevin Balmforth. "It stands as a testament to those who laid the groundwork for this whisky four decades ago.

The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old marks a shift in how distilleries approach rare aged whiskies, making luxury more accessible through continuous availability rather than limited release.

Pricing and Availability

Glenlivet 40-Year-Old whisky commands an exorbitant price tag, available only in limited quantities across the U.S. at an approximate retail price of $6,000. This premium reflects its craftsmanship, rarity, and quality poured into each bottle and makes it highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

This whisky comes packaged in an eye-catching copper container—a departure from The Glenlivet's traditional teal design. This color represents the distillery's iconic copper stills, while gold lettering adds sophistication and elegance.

What’s Next for The Glenlivet?

With the launch of their 40-Year-Old expression, The Glenlivet has set itself up for an exciting future of bold innovation and renewed focus on premium aged expressions. While time will tell whether or not this could signal further older releases or experimental finishes from The Glenlivet in future releases, whisky lovers should celebrate this remarkable addition to its portfolio and mark this landmark occasion as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Conclusion

Launch of The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old is an eventful milestone in whisky. As its oldest permanent expression from The Glenlivet distillery, this release brings together age, craftsmanship and innovation in an unparalleled way - something only The Glenlivet can provide.

No matter your taste in whisky, The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old should be on your radar as a limited release bottle worth discovering. With only 35,000 available worldwide each year and limited production available for distribution by distributors - be sure not to miss it!