Glenlivet 40 Years Old joins permanent range

The new 40-year-old Scotch whisky will be the oldest expression in The Glenlivet core portfolio of single malts.

On the heels of its 200th anniversary, The Glenlivet, owned by Pernod Ricard, is extending its core range of whiskeys with the addition of a 40-year-old single malt. The new whisky is finished in seasoned Sherry casks and bottled at its cask strength 46.9% ABV. The whisky is priced at US$6,000 (£4,600). “The Glenlivet 40 Years Old represents more than four decades of dedication and craftsmanship from our team,” cask master Kevin Balmforth said. “It’s thanks to the efforts and foresight of my predecessors who laid down the foundation of this whisky 40 years ago that we’re able to showcase the trailblazing spirit of The Glenlivet with the introduction of such a special and highly aged permanent expression during such a monumental year.” Balmforth finished the whisky in casks that were seasoned with a bespoke blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherries. On the nose, it shows notes of strawberry jam, dark cherries, cinnamon, and toasted oak. Meanwhile, the palate delivers poached plums, charred orange, dark chocolate, red apples, and sweet liquorice. “The Glenlivet 40 Years Old is a welcome addition to our desirable portfolio of single malts, joining on the heels of the introduction of The Glenlivet 55 Years Old last fall, as whisky drinkers in the US continue to seek new offerings that shine a light on the quality and craft of single malt Scotch whisky,” Johan Radojewski, vice-president marketing – Scotch & Irish whisk(e)y at Pernod Ricard USA said. The whisky is presented in an elongated bottle inspired by the brand’s original silhouette and housed inside a copper-coloured container, which evokes the copper stills used at the distillery.