The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Anniversary Edition, 1 of 1 is the inaugural lot in a partnership between Replica Shoes ’s and leading Scotch whisky maker, Chivas Brothers, to bring highly aged, one-off creations to auction. Released as part of The Glenlivet’s 200th Anniversary celebrations, this entirely unique and bespoke whisky and decanter were created exclusively for Replica Shoes ’s collects ors with all proceeds benefitting the National Trust for Scotland.
Bottled at 42.8% (at a higher strength than The Glenlivet's standard 55 Year Old release), this whisky is created from a bespoke assemblage and is entirely unique, never to be repeated. At 55 years old, this is the oldest whisky ever released directly by the distillery - a fitting tribute to mark such a significant moment in The Glenlivet's long history.
"Each whisky project is distinct, however creating a genuine 1 of 1 whisky is extraordinarily special. From the meticulous selection of the casks from our exceptional aged inventory to the handcrafting of the final spirit — a blend of 55yo whisky from a bespoke sherry-seasoned European oak cask and select exceptional aged casks going back to 1959 — this represents the most exclusive whisky we have ever produced. It holds a uniquely significant place in my career.”
The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Anniversary Edition, 1 of 1 is a truly extraordinary bottle, meticulously crafted to honour two centuries of unparalleled whisky-making heritage. Sitting alongside The Glenlivet 55 Year Old Eternal collects ion, a limited edition of 100 decanters, this unique version features a bespoke 1 of 1 liquid, housed in exclusive packaging alongside a one-off artwork by computational architect Michael Hansmeyer.
Adorned with 24k gold plating and pavé set with 37 carefully selected Peridots, known for their natural luminescence, the bottle presents a striking contrast of green hues with glowing golden accents. The stopper features an intricate enamelling technique, reminiscent of the craftsmanship seen in Fabergé eggs. The bespoke 3D-printed artwork, plated in pure gold, rests on a base of Brazilian Emerald Quartzite. Designed by computational architect Michael Hansmeyer, a visionary known for merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, this piece reflects the same spirit of innovation that defines The Glenlivet in whisky.
Tasting Notes - Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master
Nose: The aroma of this whisky is a delightful combination of red apples, ripe white peach, rich cranberry sauce, dark chocolate fondant, orange peel, nutmeg spice, and new leather, creating a sensory experience that evokes a sense of indulgence and complexity.
Taste: Upon sipping, the palate is treated to a symphony of flavours, with juicy plums, spiced baked apples, lavish caramel, roasted hazelnuts, desiccated coconut, dark liquorice, and a hint of ginger and cinnamon spice, providing a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Finish: The finish is incredibly rich and sweet, leaving a lasting impression of enduring, warming spice that lingers on the palate, completing the tasting journey with a sense of satisfaction and warmth.
The Glenlivet Distillery
The Glenlivet Distillery, famously the first legal Scottish distillery in Speyside after owner George Smith took the brave step of applying for the first licence to distil following the Excise Act of 1823, became so synonymous with the best quality that the company was forced to take legal action in the 1880s to prevent its rivals passing off their own wares as 'the Real Stuff'. Despite the Smith family winning the exclusive right for their product to be known as 'The' Glenlivet, dozens of other distilleries persisted with the usage of the Glenlivet suffix (e.g. Macallan-Glenlivet) for decades afterwards.
Today, The Glenlivet falls under the portfolio of Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky. The portfolio also features some of the world’s most revered single malt and blended Scotch whisky brands, including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and Aberlour. As the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky producer which exports to 150 markets globally, Chivas Brothers and its 1,800-strong team are rooted in communities across Scotland and around the globe, sharing a proud history and the ambition to open up to shape the future of whisky.
The National Trust for Scotland
Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation charity and cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage.
Over the last 90 years the Trust has pioneered public access to and shared ownership of some of the most magnificent buildings, collects ions and landscapes in Scotland. It cares for more than 100 sites, from ancient houses to battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges and the plants and animals which depend upon them.
In March 2022, the National Trust for Scotland launched Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, its ten-year strategy which sets out the ambitions of the charity over the coming decade. From speaking up for Scotland’s heritage which doesn’t have a voice, to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across the country, and responding to the climate and biodiversity crisis, the Trust will build on its work in recent years to grow its impact and conserve and restore more of Scotland’s heritage, as it moves towards its centenary in 2031.
Scotland’s largest.mes mbership organisation, the National Trust for Scotland relies on the support of its members and donors to carry out its important work. For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit www.nts.org.uk.
The National Trust for Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410.