Glenlivet XXV launches in the US this autumn

Last week, Pernod Ricard, owners of the Glenlivet scotch whisky brand, unveiled an addition to The Glenlivet portfolio in the US. Named The Glenlivet XXV, it represents the oldest permanent release in the brand’s range, and will be available in the country in a limited quantity.

It’s made from hand-selected vintage that has been finished in first-fill Sherry casks for at least two years before bottling. Glenlivet XXV was also signed off by four expert whisky-makers: Alan Winchester, who oversees the production process; Bill Lamb, who supervises the filling and warehousing of the casks; David Boyd, who regularly “noses” the whisky to inspect its progress and selects the casks for bottling; and Jim Cryle, The Glenlivet’s acclaimed Master Distiller.

The XXV comes packaged in a wooden box accented with limestone and brushed steel.

Unlike other products in The Glenlivet’s permanent range, The Glenlivet XXV showcases a strong Sherry influence as a result of being finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, which adds a layer of nutty, spicy flavors to The Glenlivet’s light and fruity overtones.

“The Glenlivet XXV was created to live up to exceptionally high standards,” says Jim Cryle.

The launch is supported with an online campaign site that you can find here.

With a suggested retail price of $350, The Glenlivet XXV will be available in the US from this Autumn, with each bottle batch numbered.

Just before we got the news, John Hansell, Publisher & Editor, Malt Advocate released the following tasting notes on his blog:

The Glenlivet XXV, 25 year old, 43%, $350?Finished in first-fill sherry casks for two years. My feeling on any whisky finished in a different cask is this: it should give as much to the flavor profile than it takes away. In this instance, I feel it has. And more. It’s not as nimble as younger versions, but the sherry, along with the extra aging, contributes a silky texture and a richer, fuller dimension to the whisky. I can still detect some of the peach, vanilla, tropical fruit and honeyed malt I enjoy in younger expressions, but its key flavor components are toffee, honey-dipped citrus, red licorice, chocolate covered almonds and fig, along with dried spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, mint tea) that emerges on the palate and peaks on the finish. The flavors are seamless and elegantly balanced.