THE GLENLIVET LAUNCHES LIQUID HISTORY: INTRODUCING THE GLENLIVET WINCHESTER COLLECTION VINTAGE 1966
From October 2016, The Glenlivet is releasing the second edition in its series of 50 year old single malt Scotch whiskies: The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966. Crafted over generations, for generations to come, only 100 bottles of this liquid history, matured in an exceptional high quality sherry cask, will be released priced at $25,000 each.
Created by The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Robert Arthur, in 1966, and subsequently cared for by the Master Distillers of The Glenlivet, it is released today under the guardianship of Alan Winchester. Vintage 1966 joins Vintage 1964 to become one of the rarest, exquisite and most sought after whisky collections in the world. Whilst this precious whisky has been resting in its cask the world has changed around it. Mankind took its first steps on the moon, the Berlin wall came down, and the world was introduced to the invention of the personal computer and mobile phone.
Vintage 1966 was identified early on as being a cask of outstanding quality and has since been slowly and steadily developing the signature flavours that make The Glenlivet an enduring benchmark of quality. The trademark soft and sweet complexity is layered by a delicate cinnamon and liquorice spice, followed by an exceptionally long, smooth finish, with a hint of dryness.
Alan Winchester’s own bottle will be auctioned at Christie’s on 21st October, alongside the unique opportunity to lay down Vintage 2016. Proceeds from the auction will go to the British Crafts Council to help champion craft for future generations.
This commitment to craft runs through The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966 experience: The Glenlivet commissioned Brodie Nairn of acclaimed studio Glasstorm, to produce a hand blown glass bottle around the concept of water, paying homage to The Glenlivet’s Gaelic translation of ‘Valley of the Smooth Flowing One’, with elegant lines lending gentle movement to the sculpted glass. Designer silversmith Richard Fox crafted the gold stopper set with a smoky quartz Cairngorm Stone – specially selected to echo the richly dark liquid of Vintage 1966 – while esteemed wood craftsman, John Galvin, made the beautiful cherry wood cabinet that houses the whisky.
Alan Winchester comments: “The release of Vintage 1966 marks another milestone for The Glenlivet Winchester Collection. Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days, that the resulting single malt is literally liquid history in a glass. I’m immensely proud to release this wonderful whisky, which has been cared for and crafted over generations.
“I’m also proud to be auctioning my own personal bottle and a bottle of future Vintage 2016 to be enjoyed in 50 years’ time. This will mark yet another moment of history in the making and I’m so pleased that the proceeds of the auction will go towards investing in the future success of talented and innovative British craftspeople.”
Miriam Eceolaza, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, said: “The release of the second chapter of The Winchester Collection sets yet another new benchmark in single malt. Each chapter: Vintage 1964, Vintage 1966 and, in 50 years’ time, Vintage 2016 is steeped in dedication, passion and excellence. Taking inspiration from this, we have chosen to partner with the British Crafts Council to truly support the next generation of crafts people.”
The Master Distiller’s bottle from The Glenlivet Winchester Collection, alongside Vintage 2016, will be auctioned out of Christie’s New York, on the 21st October, with a total of just 100 bottles to be made available for purchase worldwide.
To find out more information about The Glenlivet Winchester Collection and to join The Guardians of The Glenlivet, visit www.theglenlivet.com/guardians.
NOTES
About The Glenlivet Winchester Collection
The Glenlivet Winchester Collection was the world’s first series of 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies, which will be released over the next few years. The inaugural Vintage 1964 was released in 2014 and Vintage 1966 is the second release. Taking its name from current Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this exquisite collection of rare whiskies represents the legacy of generations of men and honours the past, celebrates the present and looks to the future.
About Vintage 1966
Vintage 1966 is the second chapter in the unfolding, compelling tale of The Glenlivet Winchester Collection. Just 100 bottles will be made available around the world, with each priced in parity to $25,000.
Tasting Notes
The perfect combination of the spirit and the sherry cask, releases a wonderful array of flavours creating a symphony of distinctive flavours, full of the signature fruity notes of The Glenlivet, intensified with age. Bursting with influence from the sherry cask, the nose is deliciously sweet with the aromas of treacle, moist raisins and apricot jam. The palate is then gratified with the release of candied, sumptuous soft fruits, sweet treacle and juicy orange, layered by delicate spice – a teasing intermingling of cinnamon and liquorice. The finish is exceptionally long, smooth, with a pleasing hint of dryness. The subtle, exotic spice set in relief against the signature soft sweetness is just one of the elements that differentiate this special vintage from the prestigious Vintage 1964.
Packaging
Every element of the Vintage 1966 has been handcrafted, with each timeless material and finish chosen to reflect and honour the precious liquid stored inside. The hand-blown decanter by Scottish glass artist Brodie Nairn (GLASSTORM) is created around the concept of water, paying homage to The Glenlivet’s Gaelic translation of ‘Valley of the Smooth Flowing One’, with elegant flow lines lending gentle movement to the sculpted glass. Each bottle is delicately hand painted in gold and sealed with a precious, bespoke gold stopper set with a smoky quartz Cairngorm (or whisky) Stone, by acclaimed silversmith Richard Fox, whose past commissions have included work for Formula One and Rolls Royce. The handmade, luxurious dark cherry cabinet, lined in leather, was crafted by award-winning furniture maker, John Galvin and has taken 55 – 60 hours alone to create by hand, with over 100 processes and 50 components in each.
About the British Crafts Council
Founded in 1971 and incorporated by Royal Charter, the Crafts Council is Britain’s national agency for contemporary craft. Through exhibitions, publications and curating the national Collection, we champion the UK’s foremost makers and present contemporary craft in new ways, challenging perceptions of what craft is and can be. www.craftscouncil.org.uk
The British Crafts Council is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. www.artscouncil.org.uk
About Future Made
A Future Made was launched in 2016 and is a Crafts Council project in partnership with The New Craftsmen, Craft Scotland and Ruthin Craft Centre aimed at raising the profile of British craft via international design fairs. A Future Made is a two-year international programme funded by Arts Council England and Arts Council Wales, as well as being supported by the GREAT Britain campaign which will showcase up to 30 makers over that time.
knowledgeable panel spanning design, craft, fashion, and architecture and interior design. For The Glenlivet collaboration these makers were invited to submit designs informed by the concept ‘Crafted for Generations’. Visit www.theglenlivet.com/guardians for further information on The Glenlivet’s Future Made initiative.
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in the first half of 2016 that totalled £2.1 billion / $3 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.
2016 marks Christie’s 250th anniversary. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Click HERE to view a short film about Christie’s and the 250th anniversary.
Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.
www.theglenlivet.com
@TheGlenlivet
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet; the original Single Malt that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com
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