Honoring the Past & Celebrating the Present, The Glenlivet® Launches Its Vintage 1966 50 Year Old Single Malt

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Glenlivet, the original single malt that has set the standard for nearly 200 years, unveils the second edition of The Glenlivet Winchester Collection, a series of rare and precious 50 year old single malt whiskies, with the launch of Vintage 1966. Following the inaugural release of Vintage 1964 in 2014, Vintage 1966 is a celebration of craftsmanship, as this extraordinary whisky was created by The Glenlivet Master Distiller Robert Arthur in 1966, and has been carefully guarded by generations of Master Distillers and now released under the guardianship of esteemed Master Distiller, Alan Winchester.  

With only 100 bottles available worldwide of this remarkable expression with a suggested price of $25,000, The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966 is truly liquid history in a bottle. As an exquisite whisky resting in its high quality sherry cask, this matured expression has stayed hidden at The Glenlivet Distillery as the world evolved around it, becoming one of the rarest whiskies in the world.

Over time, Vintage 1966 has been slowly and steadily developing the signature flavors that make The Glenlivet an enduring benchmark of quality. Vintage 1966 is a precious whisky that has used sherry casks to enhance the trademark soft, sweet, sumptuous complexity that The Glenlivet is famed for. The result is a remarkable single malt that layers the soft smooth notes of The Glenlivet with delicate spice – a teasing intermingling of cinnamon and liquorice – and offers an exceptionally long, smooth finish, with a pleasing hint of dryness.

"The release of Vintage 1966 marks another milestone for The Glenlivet Winchester Collection," said Master Distiller, Alan Winchester. "Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days, that the resulting single malt is literally liquid history in a glass. I'm immensely proud to release this wonderful whisky, which has been cared for and crafted over generations."

This commitment to craft runs through The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1966 experience: The Glenlivet commissioned Brodie Nairn of acclaimed studio Glasstorm, to produce a hand blown glass bottle around the concept of water, paying homage to The Glenlivet's Gaelic translation of 'Valley of the Smooth Flowing One', with elegant flow lines lending gentle movement to the sculpted glass. Designer silversmith Richard Fox made the stunning gold stopper set with a smoky quartz Cairngorm Stone - specially selected to echo the richly dark liquid of Vintage 1966. While esteemed wood craftsman, John Galvin made the beautiful cherry wood cabinet that houses the whisky.

Continuing the theme of craftsmanship by generations and looking towards the future, Alan Winchester's own bottle will be donated to the British Crafts Council and auctioned at Christie's in New York on October 21st, alongside the unique opportunity to lay down a cask of Vintage 2016.  Proceeds from the auction will go to the British Crafts Council, developed to support artist craftsman.  

"The release of the second chapter of The Winchester Collection sets yet another benchmark in single malt, adding another unrivaled expression to The Glenlivet portfolio," said Sona Bajaria, Vice President Marketing, The Glenlivet, Pernod Ricard USA. "Each chapter: Vintage 1964, Vintage 1966 and, in 50 years' time, Vintage 2016 is steeped in dedication, passion and excellence, values we intend to extend to future generations."

For additional information please visit www.theglenlivet.com/us or join The Guardians of The Glenlivet program to find out more at www.theglenlivet.com/guardians .

Enjoy Our Quality Responsibly.
©2016 The Glenlivet Distilling Company, Purchase, NY

About Pernod Ricard USA® 
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, the world's second-largest spirits and wine company.  Pernod Ricard employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Tequila Avión®, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa®, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, Olmeca Altos™, Beefeater® Gin, Lot No. 40™ and Pike Creek®, Midleton®, Powers®, Redbreast®, Plymouth®, Seagram's® Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Lillet®, Hiram Walker®, Pernod®, Ricard®; and such superior wines as Kenwood Vineyards®, Brancott Estate®, Campo Viejo®, Graffigna® and Jacob's Creek®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and in moderation. For more information, please visit: www.responsibility.org.

About The Glenlivet Winchester Collection
The Glenlivet Winchester Collection was the world's first series of 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies, which will be released over the next few years.  The inaugural Vintage 1964 was released in 2014 and Vintage 1966 is the second release. Taking its name from current Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this exquisite collection of rare whiskies represents the legacy of generations of men and honors the past, celebrates the present and looks to the future.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA