One of only 100 examples worldwide
The Glenlivet 55 Years Old – Eternal Collection First Edition represents a remarkable union of time, whisky craftsmanship and contemporary art. Released in celebration of The Glenlivet’s 200th anniversary, this extraordinary 55-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky was the oldest expression ever released by the distillery at the time of its introduction.
Limited to just 100 examples worldwide, this is far more than an exceptionally old and rare whisky. Each spherical decanter is embraced by an extraordinary sculptural work of art created in collaboration with renowned computational architect and programmer Michael Hansmeyer.
55 years in the making
Matured for more than half a century in a seasoned Sherry cask and bottled at 42.2% ABV, The Glenlivet 55 Years Old demonstrates the extraordinary complexity that can only be achieved through decades of patient maturation.
The nose reveals layers of poached pear, sun-ripened Seville orange and sticky dates, complemented by toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, rich blackcurrant jam, vanilla fudge and dark chocolate meet vibrant orange and crystallised ginger, followed by warming clove spice.
The finish is exceptionally long and complex, evolving from fruit into warming spice before ending with an elegant dry character.
A sculpture with 40 million individual surfaces
What makes the Eternal Collection First Edition particularly spectacular is its presentation.
Created by Michael Hansmeyer, the computationally designed sculpture takes inspiration from the rugged Scottish landscape surrounding The Glenlivet Distillery and the flowing River Livet through the Spey Valley.
Its extraordinary geometry consists of approximately 40 million individual surfaces. The sculpture was 3D printed before being finished with luxurious rose-gold plating, while its base is crafted from cast white jesmonite. At its centre sits the spherical whisky decanter, crowned by a pure silver top with rose-gold plating.
The result sits at the intersection of traditional whisky craftsmanship, architecture, technology and contemporary art – an object created to be admired as much as the whisky itself is to be experienced.
Two centuries of The Glenlivet
The story of The Glenlivet dates back to 1824, when founder George Smith obtained his licence to distil in Scotland’s remote Livet Valley. Over the following two centuries, The Glenlivet became one of the defining names of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The Eternal Collection was created to carry that legacy into its next chapter. Beginning with this 55 Year Old First Edition, each release increases in age and is accompanied by an original artwork created in collaboration with a visionary artist.
With only 100 examples of the First Edition produced for the entire world, The Glenlivet 55 Years Old represents the beginning of this exceptional collection and a significant piece of The Glenlivet’s 200-year history.
For the serious whisky collector, this is not simply an opportunity to acquire an extraordinarily rare 55-year-old The Glenlivet. It is an opportunity to own one of just 100 pieces in which whisky, art, architecture and two centuries of heritage become one.
