50 YEARS OF CRAFT COMES TO LIFE WITH THE WINCHESTER COLLECTION

Introducing the world’s first collection of rare 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies from The Glenlivet, on sale at Harrods from October 2014

Today marks the inaugural release from The Winchester Collection: the world’s first series of rare and precious 50 year old single malt Scotch whiskies from the single malt that started it all. “Vintage 1964” is the first release from this exclusive collection, which is anticipated to become one of the most sought after and priceless whisky collections in the world.

Just 100 bottles of this remarkable Speyside single malt, priced at $25,000 each, will go on sale around the globe, with the very first bottle – Bottle No 1 – going on sale at one of the world’s most prestigious retailers, Harrods, this October. An undisclosed number of further releases from The Winchester Collection will then follow, with “Vintage 1966” confirmed to be next in line.

No expense or attention to craftsmanship has been spared in creating the perfect vessel to house the whisky, with each element handcrafted by artisans from the British Isles, featuring hand-blown glass and the inclusion of precious materials such as rose gold and ‘Cairngorm Stone’.

The spirit inside lays claim to 50 years of unrivalled knowledge, care and craft, which started when Captain Bill Smith-Grant – the last distilling descendent of The Glenlivet’s founder, George Smith – laid this whisky down to mature in April 1964.

It was soon after identified as a whisky of exceptional promise, and was cared for by no fewer than seven Master Distillers as it slowly and steadily developed the signature flavours that make The Glenlivet an enduring benchmark of quality. It is under the guidance of current Master Distiller, Alan Winchester – from whom the collection takes its name – that this precious Vintage has been deemed ready to be enjoyed by only the most ardent and discerning of single malt connoisseurs, bottled at cask strength (42.3%) in June 2014.

Winchester comments: “This release marks a milestone for The Glenlivet. Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days that I’m immensely proud to introduce the first of these rare Vintages of preserved stocks from the distillery’s rich past. They’re a testament to our legacy of excellence and to those who have nurtured this whisky over the years, including Captain Bill Smith-Grant, who played such a pivotal role introducing our single malt to the world.”

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, said: “The release of The Winchester Collection sets a new benchmark in single malt. We are excited to share this unparalleled spirit, the product of 50 years of craftsmanship, with whisky lovers and collectors alike. Vintage 1964 allows us to tell a new chapter in The Glenlivet’s rich history and is a fitting tribute to those who shaped Speyside’s original single malt whisky.”

NOTES

About The Winchester Collection
The Winchester Collection is a series of 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies, which will be released over the next few years, starting with Vintage 1964 in 2014. Taking its name from current Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this exquisite collection of rare whiskies represents the legacy of a generation of men whose unparalleled craft and skill created this, the rarest of whisky.

The Winchester Collection Vintage 1964 – tasting notes

Nose: The perfect marriage of spirit and cask releases a wonderfully rich aroma of fruity pear and peach nectar, which envelops the nose. Complemented by juicy, sweet raisins, dark chocolate and a fondant orange crème, intermingled with a tantalising honeycomb crunch sweetness that gives incredible depth.

Palate: Bursting with luscious fruit flavours of ripe pears and oranges, black cherries and smooth creamy toffee, resulting in a fantastically velvety texture. In the background, caramelised sugar and candy flavours elevate the richness of the taste.

Finish: Exceptionally smooth and luxurious, lingering on the palate and in memory for eternity.

The Winchester Collection Vintage 1964 – packaging
Bottle: Acclaimed Scottish glass artists Nichola Burns and Brodie Nairn (GLASSTORM) have created a decanter design, inspired by The Glenlivet’s glorious history.

Stopper: Completing the decanter is a jewel-like stopper, designed by internationally acclaimed silversmith Richard Fox, whose past commissions have included Formula One and Rolls Royce. The design combines precious materials such as rose gold, and is crowned with a ‘Cairngorm Stone’, often known as “The Whisky Stone” as a result of its unique colouring.

Cabinet: Designed by award-winning furniture maker, John Galvin, who has applied traditional cabinet-making techniques to a contemporary design, resulting in a beautiful, bespoke piece that will stand the test of time, just like the rare and precious liquid that is housed inside.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com

Twitter @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

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About The Glenlivet

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. Today, The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky in the USA, the world’s largest malt whisky market. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and for pioneering innovation within the category. The brand has introduced a raft of successful initiatives in recent years aimed at improving understanding and interest in single malt whisky, such as the launch of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt released without cask information or tasting notes, and the creation of The Glenlivet Guardians, an online hub for fans of The Glenlivet worldwide to engage with the brand and each other.
www.theglenlivet.com

Twitter @TheGlenlivet