In September, The Glenlivet hosted a few hundred guests over two nights to unveil the latest jewel in their collection: a first edition 55-year-old single malt from The Glenlivet Eternal Collection.
The celebration in Scotland, which coincided with the distillery’s 200th anniversary, was spectacular. Guests mingled and dined in the distillery before the 55-Year-Old was unveiled. The display bottle rose from the floor, encased in a sculpture by artist Michael Hansmeyer to represent the River Livet. Then, we tasted it.
Some folks at the dinner would take home one of the $55,000 bottles. Others, like me, would most likely never taste it again. However, it’s quite possible the ones buying a bottle would never taste it again either, as such rare bottles become collector's items. In any case, my goal was to savor as much as possible, imprinting the flavor in my memory.
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And remember I do, that glorious punch in the mouth the first sip delivered—a vivid, almost tropical flavor that lingered long after the liquid was gone. It’s one of the longest finishing whiskies I’ve ever tasted. Vanilla weaved through the taste, reminiscent of banana bread. It was also fruity, driven by notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Another sip punched me again with a complex, citrusy zing and the warmth of chocolate, clove, and ginger.
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After my last drop, I meandered back to the bar and asked for my usual, The Glenlivet 14-Year-Old single malt. The first sip was perfect, as always. Standing there, completely content with my 14, I watched the crowd jostle around the 55-Year-Old before I had an epiphany. Looking at my glass I realized that The Glenlivet’s true accomplishment was in my hand, not on the pedestal ahead.
I always keep a bottle of The Glenlivet 14 at home. I’ve been fond of it, but it wasn’t until after my journey back from Speyside, where I tasted a much more luxurious dram, that I realized why.
The Glenlivet 14 retails for approximately $60, which is still in the realm of everyday affordability. It’s a remarkable price point for the quality. The 14, at first glance, is light, easygoing, and friendly. The first sip is inviting with a hint of caramel dancing across the palate before drifting away. The second sip reveals a smooth creaminess and honeyed apple flavor. And yet, as I continue further, there’s a soft pear flavor and hint of raisins from the liquid’s final six months in ex-cognac barrels.
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If there's ever a bottle to break out at a party, it's The Glenlivet 14. Newcomers to Scotch will appreciate its deceptive simplicity. Anyone with a mature palate will appreciate complex layers of flavor, signature of Scotches from the Speyside region. It stands on its own as a pour to savor but mixes well into cocktails. At 40-percent ABV, it’s just warm enough to be sipped all evening, a win for long chats with friends or contemplations before the fire.
To produce a 55-year-old single malt is nothing short of remarkable and worthy of pride. However, I'd argue that The Glenlivet 14 sitting on my bar cart is equally impressive. I believe it's just as difficult, if not more so, to craft a single malt as complex yet approachable as the 14 Year Old for its modest cost.
The Glenlivet has managed to satisfy aficionados and the beginners all in one glorious single malt. Whiskies are, at the end of the day, for drinking. So an affordable bottle like The Glenlivet 14 is worth celebrating.
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