Glenlivet releases oldest permanent whisky expression

Aged for over four decades, The Glenlivet 40 year old becomes the distillery’s most mature addition to its core range.

The Glenlivet, a stalwart of Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has revealed its latest addition to its core range: The Glenlivet 40 year old. This release, the oldest permanent expression in the brand’s history, comes at a time when the Scotch whisky industry is grappling with economic pressures and significant tax hikes.

Matured for over four decades, the whisky has been bottled at cask strength (46.9% ABV) and finished in sherry-seasoned casks, blending Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez influences under the guidance of The Glenlivet Cask Master, Kevin Balmforth. The result is a rich, complex profile featuring notes of poached plums, dark cherries, and warming spices.

“The Glenlivet 40 Year Old represents more than four decades of dedication and craftsmanship from our team,” said Balmforth. “This release embodies the trailblazing spirit of The Glenlivet while honouring the foresight of those who began this journey 40 years ago.”

Testing times

However, the launch of this premium whisky coincides with ongoing challenges in the industry at large. A report from db highlighted how the recent Scottish budget has placed significant strain on hospitality businesses, particularly due to tax increases on Scotch whisky. Similarly, The Spirits Business described the UK’s recent budgetary measures as a “betrayal” for Scotch producers, with high excise duties compounding the pressures faced by the industry.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has also expressed concern over the financial burden on producers. In a recent piece. it was revealed that the latest tax increases have cost the UK Treasury £500,000 per day, stifling growth and damaging the industry’s global competitiveness.

Discussing recent tax issues, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, CEO & chairman of Chivas Brothers recently told db: “The precedent set by the UK tax system is not helpful when more than 90% of Scotch is exported and other countries can look to the UK – the world’s largest and most successful exporter of spirits – as a taxation model,” he said.

“A UK excise tax system that aims to support the UK’s biggest food and drink export would set excise rates lower than the G7/EU average, treat all alcoholic drinks fairly by taxing each unit of alcohol equally, and rightly recognise Scotch as a premium product marketed to discerning consumers for their responsible enjoyment.”

Despite such challenges, The Glenlivet’s 40 Year Old release is a testament to brand’s resilience among uncertain times for Scotch producers. Presented in an elongated bottle inspired by its 1824 design, the whisky is housed in a copper-toned container, reflecting the distillery’s iconic stills. The teal accents and founder George Smith’s profile further connect the modern expression to its storied history.

Priced at £4,600, The Glenlivet 40 Year Old will be available annually at cask strength from 21st January 2025 via The Whisky Shop. While its premium positioning places it beyond the reach of many, it serves as a statement of The Glenlivet’s enduring craftsmanship amid a volatile market.

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