By Olivia Cuccaro
This week’s cocktail pick doesn’t require any mixers, shakers or garnishes – we wouldn’t dare. At long last, The Glenlivet has released the second edition in its series of rare 50-year-old single malt whiskies.
Half a century ago, Master Distiller Robert Arthur crafted a whisky in the same style as the original single malt created by Glenlivet founder George Smith. The Vintage 1966 was stored in a sherry cask, hand selected by Arthur, and remained at the The Glenlivet Distillery for the next 50 years.
Carefully tended to by current Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, the unveiling of Vintage 1966 follows the inaugural release of Vintage 1964 in 2014. With two editions bottled, his namesake Winchester Collection is set to continue a series of limited releases over a number of years.
On the nose, Vintage 1966 is sweet with the aromas of treacle, moist raisins and apricot jam. To taste, the sherry cask joins flavors of soft fruits, sweet treacle, juicy orange, cinnamon and licorice. The precious Speyside single malt offers a long, smooth finish with just a hint of dryness.
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“The release of Vintage 1966 marks another milestone for The Glenlivet Winchester Collection,” said Winchester. “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.”
In the Glenlivet spirit of passing down through generations, Winchester’s own bottle will be auctioned at Christie’s in New York on October 21, paired with the unique opportunity to lay down a cask of Vintage 2016. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the British Crafts Council.
For holiday gifting, think ahead – only 100 bottles of The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966 are available worldwide, each priced at $25,000.
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Please visit theglenlivet.com for more information.
