Glenlivet debuts collaborative series in GTR

Chivas Brothers-owned The Glenlivet has created the Groundbreaker Collection exclusively for global travel retail (GTR).

Chapter One of The Glenlivet Groundbreaker Collection marks the first time The Glenlivet has finished whisky in red wine casks. The first edition of the collection was crafted in collaboration with Malaysian-Chinese contemporary artist Red Hong Yi, who was influenced and inspired by her 'extraordinary travels and meaningful places around the world' from Borneo to Scotland. Known as ‘the artist who paints without a brush’, Hong Yi’s unconventional methods include using fire to char parchment – a technique used to create the artwork housing Chapter One of The Glenlivet Groundbreaker Collection. The single malt Scotch whisky was initially matured in European and American oak casks. Overseen by The Glenlivet's cask master, Kevin Balmforth, a portion of the single malt was finished in charred American oak and European red wine casks. The finish delivers a subtle red-amber hue in honour of Hong Yi’s artwork and her favourite colour, which has also inspired her name. Chapter One offers notes of creamy toffee and sweet vanilla on the palate with layers of pear, red berry compote and dried fruits. Balmforth said: “As part of a passionate team of makers at The Glenlivet, collaborating with other creatives pushing boundaries in their respective fields is always exhilarating. "This original new collection continues our commitment to – and 200-year legacy of – drawing on unusual and sometimes unexpected sources to continuously innovate within single malts.” Future chapters of The Glenlivet Groundbreaker Collection will continue to marry 'original perspectives collected through travel experiences' with The Glenlivet’s craftsmanship, celebrating artists who share the single malt’s ambitions. Chapter One, now available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport with an RRP of US$100, will be available in selected duty free stores worldwide from the end of October. Last month, The Glenlivet revealed its oldest expression to date with the launch of a 55-year-old single malt as part of the Eternal Collection. Earlier this month, Chivas Brothers partnered with Sotheby's to offer a one-of-one extension of its oldest single malt.