200 Years Old: A Scotch Whisky Icon Celebrates a Landmark Anniversary

This year, The Glenlivet, the original Speyside Single Malt whisky, celebrates its 200th anniversary of setting the standard in single malt whisky. To mark this impressive milestone, the distillery has unveiled The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition, the first in a series of limited editions set to be released throughout the year.

Celebrating an Icon

We were delighted to be on hand at the media launch of the latest expression from this iconic distillery, along with an excellent masterclass led by Rachael Turner (IG: @chivas_rach). The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition is a unique twist on the classic blend, showcasing the distillery’s spirit of originality. Fully matured in 100% first-fill American Oak casks and bottled at 43% ABV, this special edition features sweet and fruity notes with honeycomb and zesty orange, culminating in a lasting vanilla finish. It’s a notable departure from the standard 12 year old, and we loved the contrast.

And there’s also something to be said about the appealing packaging, too. Designed by Studio Berdi in Bogota, Colombia, the commemorative bottle was chosen through a global crowdsourcing campaign. The winning design captures 200 years of The Glenlivet’s history, from its inception by founder George Smith to its status as a pioneering single malt.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition celebrates George Smith’s vision and the distillery’s continuous journey of innovation. Priced from RM423 (RSP), this special edition is available at selected retailers including The Chamber, The Bottle Thirsty Spirits, Wine Warehouse, Magnum Wine & Spirits, WL Wine and Liquor, AEON, MaxValu, Mercato, Ben’s Independent Grocer, Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer, The Food Merchant Pavilion Bukit Jalil, and BSC Fine Foods.

Two Hundred and Beyond

The Glenlivet distillery’s story began in the early 19th century when George Smith, a farmer in the remote Glenlivet valley of Scotland’s Speyside region, took the bold step of obtaining one of the first legal licenses to distill whisky. This decision in 1824, a time when most whisky production was illicit, marked the start of The Glenlivet’s journey. Smith’s whisky quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality, characterized by its smooth, fruity flavor, which set it apart from other Scotch whiskies of the era.

As the years progressed, The Glenlivet continued to build on its early success. In the 1850s, the whisky gained royal endorsement from King George IV, further solidifying its prestige. The distillery faced challenges, including a fire in the 1850s and the economic impacts of the World Wars, but it persevered, consistently producing high-quality whisky. In the late 19th century, The Glenlivet distillery found itself embroiled in legal battles to protect its name. As the whisky gained popularity, numerous distilleries in the region began using the “Glenlivet” name to capitalize on its esteemed reputation and convey a sense of place. Determined to preserve its unique identity, The Glenlivet distillery pursued legal action. After a lengthy legal wrangling, a landmark court ruling in 1884 granted The Glenlivet exclusive rights to the use of the definitive article “The,” officially distinguishing it as the original Glenlivet and allowing it to be known henceforth as “The Glenlivet.” This decision cemented its status as the benchmark for quality in the whisky industry.

The mid-20th century saw The Glenlivet expand its reach globally, becoming a staple in the burgeoning American and European markets. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Speyside whisky, known for its commitment to traditional methods and continuous innovation.

So now it’s been an impressive 200 years! Since 1824, The Glenlivet has been driven by a mission to move forward and explore the new and undiscovered while crafting timeless whisky. Inspired by founder George Smith, who reshaped whisky conventions, The Glenlivet is known for its distinctive fruity and floral style. Today, The Glenlivet maintains its heritage of quality single malt whiskies, but also continues to innovate and experiment with flavour and craftsmanship, with innovative initiatives like the Capsule Collection and Twist & Mix Cocktails. The distillery’s commitment to challenging norms will shape the future of single malt whisky, aiming to set new standards of excellence.

The Glenlivet’s bicentennial marks a significant milestone, celebrating its rich history while looking forward to another 200 years of innovation and originality. Visit www.theglenlivet.com for more information on the celebratory releases, events, and news.