A 55-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Priced at $55,000 Per Bottle

Speyside distillery, The Glenlivet, has made a rare and remarkable move by releasing its oldest whisky to date. Known for crafting exceptional whiskies, The Glenlivet has unveiled the Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old, a single-cask single malt that represents the pinnacle of their distilling expertise. This 55-year-old Scotch is the first of what the distillery promises to be an annual series of ultra-aged releases.

Although The Glenlivet hasn’t previously ventured into extreme age statements like some of its competitors, the timing of this release suggests they’ve been waiting for the perfect cask. And now, they’ve found it.

Why Now?

While distilleries like Benromach, Highland Park, and Glenrothes have released whiskies aged 50 years and older, The Glenlivet has typically stayed out of this market—until now. Interestingly, The Glenlivet has allowed independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail to release older expressions in the past, including an 80-year-old whisky distilled in 1940. So why is the distillery stepping into this arena at last?

According to The Glenlivet, it comes down to having the right whisky at the right time. Their unique spirit profile, characterized by lighter and brighter floral and fruit-forward notes, usually doesn’t lend itself to long aging periods. As whisky matures, these delicate flavors tend to fade, often being replaced by heavy sherry or oaky notes. However, this 55-year-old release is a rare exception, where The Glenlivet’s signature style has been perfectly preserved.

Tasting Notes

The Glenlivet describes this 55-year-old whisky as a celebration of its iconic character:

  • Nose: A blend of “autumn fruits” like poached pears and Seville oranges, enriched by sticky dates, toasted hazelnuts, and the indulgent warmth of dark chocolate and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Palate: Expect warming flavors of blackcurrant jam, vanilla fudge, and dark chocolate, balanced with zesty orange and crystallized ginger, finishing with a hint of clove spice.
  • Finish: A dry, spicy, and subtly warming finish, with layers of complexity that retain the whisky’s fruity essence.

Bottled at 42.2% ABV, the whisky offers a lower proof than cask-strength releases, allowing the intricate fruity notes to shine through.

Exclusivity and Pricing

Only 100 bottles of this extraordinary whisky will be made available globally, each priced at $55,000. The Glenlivet is positioning this release as a super-premium single malt, justifying the price with its rarity and historical significance. While the cost is in line with other ultra-aged whiskies, The Glenlivet’s 55-year-old stands out due to the distillery’s 200-year history and the exceptional nature of the cask used.

The Future of The Eternal Collection

The Eternal Collection is set to become an annual release, though future expressions may not reach the lofty 55-year mark. Still, this first edition marks an impressive milestone for The Glenlivet, proving they are more than capable of producing some of the finest ultra-aged whiskies in the world.

For whisky connoisseurs, this release is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of The Glenlivet’s legacy. While it took 200 years to craft something this extraordinary, fans won’t have to wait quite as long for the next chapter in The Eternal Collection.

The Glenlivet’s 55-Year-Old marks a historic moment in the distillery’s journey, offering an unparalleled whisky experience for the discerning collector.