Whisky Focus - The Glenlivet 1967 50 Year Old Winchester Collection

The Glenlivet unveil the 3rd release in the Winchester Collection of rare 50 Year Old whiskies.

The Glenlivet distillery has unveiled the 3rd release in its series of rare 50 year old single malt Scotch whiskies. this time we see the launch of The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1967 50 Year Old which follows the release of the Vintage 1964 in 2014 and Vintage 1966 in 2016.

This latest expression, The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1967, a blend of rare single malts, the youngest of which was laid down by former The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Robert Arthur in 1967.

Bottled non-chill filtered at cask strength on 6th June 2018, the whisky is said to boast a rich and fruity nose, notes of apricot jam and sweet ripe peaches, and a hint of toasted almonds. The smooth taste continues with fondant orange and milk chocolate flavours, velvety texture and a long, and a luxuriously sweet finish.

"The launch of Vintage 1967 is a momentous occasion for The Glenlivet, and a particularly proud one for me personally," says The Glenlivet Master Distiller Alan Winchester. "To have my name associated with one of the finest single malts that money can buy is an honor – what a fantastic way to celebrate more than 40 years in the Scotch whisky industry. By collaborating with the talented Bethan Gray, we have been able to epitomize not only Vintage 1967's luxurious quality but also the craftsmanship that led to its creation. The result is a beautiful and captivating bottle that ensures Vintage 1967 is a feast for the eyes as well the palate."

Taking inspiration from the rolling hills that surrounds The Glenlivet distillery in Scotland, award-winning British designer Bethan Gray handcrafted the exquisite bottle and case that hold the 50- year-old single malt, reflecting the craftsmanship and exceptional quality of its contents. Alan and Bethan worked closely on gathering influences for the design on the grounds of the distillery, where Bethan also has her own historical past. Her grandfather lived and worked as a forester in the Cairngorms, home of The Glenlivet, and the layers of mist that gather in the surrounding valleys became inspiration for the unique reinterpretation of her Dhow pattern that surrounds the bottle.

"Everything I do is about collaborating with people to tell stories through craft, so it was a real honor to work with Alan Winchester to create this incredibly special bottle of scotch whisky," said Bethan Gray. "We're both inspired by spending time in nature, so what better inspiration than the Cairngorms, where The Glenlivet distillery is based?"

The Scotch whisky making process itself was further inspiration for Bethan. The bottle is blown by master glassblower Brodie Nairn to precisely the right size and thickness and then hand-cut, creating an ombré color effect that mimics the ageing process of the liquid inside. It is then engraved and hand-painted, making each one unique. The hand-stained birds-eye maple case is made using solid copper overlays that reflect The Glenlivet's charred barrels and copper stills. Created by hand by artisans, the technique used to overlay the delicate copper was invented specifically for this case in its curved form. The mother-of-pearl inlaid into the case has been inspired by the local freshwater pearl mussel shells indigenous to the Spey River.

The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1967 is a limited release of only 150 bottles with each bottle priced at around US$25,000, it is available to buy from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt

 

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