Glenlivet debuts Fusion Cask whisky

Chivas Brothers-owned The Glenlivet has released a single malt aged in bespoke casks made from parts of rum and Bourbon barrels, described as a first for the Scotch category.

The brand describes The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection as a ‘category-first innovation’. The first-fill rum and Bourbon barrels were hand-selected, dismantled and reassembled into one cask by expert coopers. The expression offers aromas of ‘orange, vanilla custard and caramel’, with ‘juicy apricot and peach and fresh apples’ on the palate. “This category-first innovation continues our commitment and 200-year legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky,” said Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet’s cask expert. “As a team of makers at The Glenlivet, we work closely with our partners at the cooperage to ensure the handmade casks are of the highest quality, and this intricate dismantling and reassembling process to create new bespoke casks ensures a distinctive and expertly crafted finish.” The 40% ABV expression launches in the US this month as part of the brand’s 200th-anniversary celebrations. It has an RRP of US$95.99. “The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask is a welcome addition to our portfolio as we continue our journey to push the single malt category forward,” said Johan Radojewski, vice-president of marketing – Scotch, Irish and prestige whisky at Pernod Ricard USA. “Prestige spirits drinkers in the US are seeking unique and elevated taste experiences, and The Glenlivet Fusion Cask proudly delivers on that demand as we pioneer new depths of flavour through our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.”