The Glenlivet’s Eternal Collection Second Edition: 56 Year Old, crafted in collaboration with Fredrikson Stallard, pairs over five decades of maturation with bold sculptural design inspired by Speyside. A one-off edition sold at Sotheby’s for £75,000, supporting the National Trust for Scotland, underscores the brand’s leadership in prestige single malt and cultural stewardship.
The Glenlivet continues to set new benchmarks in the world of luxury whisky with its latest ultra-premium release, the Eternal Collection Second Edition: 56 Year Old. Representing over half a century of maturation, this extraordinary single malt exemplifies The Glenlivet’s commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation, while pushing the boundaries of whisky design and experience. The launch reflects the brand’s ongoing ambition to marry exceptional liquid with equally remarkable presentation, highlighting how storytelling, artistry, and sustainability converge in the contemporary whisky market.
This new edition was created in collaboration with the internationally renowned design studio Fredrikson Stallard, known for its bold, sculptural work that transforms functional objects into art. The studio’s design for the 56 Year Old was inspired by the rugged natural beauty of Speyside, the region that has been the heartland of The Glenlivet for generations. The result is a visually striking expression of whisky as both liquid and object, a sculptural testament to decades of expertise and care. The aesthetic is deliberately bold and tactile, embodying the resilience, elegance, and character that define both the whisky itself and the Speyside landscape from which it originates.
The liquid inside the vessel is equally exceptional. Finished in a bespoke sherry cask seasoned with Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez, and Palo Cortado, the 56 Year Old displays a complexity rarely achieved in the category. Tasting notes reveal a sophisticated tapestry of flavours, beginning with red apple and dark chocolate, moving into apricot and spiced apple, and concluding with toasted oak. The finish is smooth, deep, and enduring, reflecting the extraordinary care that has gone into its maturation over 56 years. Every sip delivers a profound sense of history, patience, and artistry, reinforcing The Glenlivet’s position as a pioneer in the ultra-premium single malt segment.
The launch of the 56 Year Old follows closely on the heels of the unveiling of an even more exclusive variant: the Eternal Collection Second Edition 56 Year Old 1 of 1. Crafted as a singular creation, this one-off release was auctioned at Sotheby’s Finest & Rarest Whisky event on 20 November, fetching an impressive £75,000. The sale not only underscores the extraordinary desirability of The Glenlivet’s ultra-premium releases but also highlights the growing appetite among collectors and connoisseurs for rare expressions that combine historic maturation with artistic innovation.
In a significant gesture of social and environmental responsibility, all proceeds from the auction were directed to the National Trust for Scotland. The organisation’s mission is to protect and preserve Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, from its iconic landscapes to its historic buildings and wildlife. By linking the release of its most exclusive whisky to a charitable cause, The Glenlivet underscores its commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and giving back to the communities and landscapes that have shaped the brand’s legacy. The collaboration between whisky, art, and heritage conservation reinforces the broader narrative of The Glenlivet as a brand that values tradition while embracing innovation and purpose.
The Eternal Collection Second Edition: 56 Year Old is part of The Glenlivet’s wider strategy to position itself at the forefront of the prestige single malt category. By combining long maturation periods with innovative finishing techniques and high-concept design, the brand continues to redefine what collectors and whisky enthusiasts can expect from ultra-rare expressions. The use of a bespoke sherry cask seasoned with multiple types of sherry is particularly noteworthy, as it layers the spirit with rich, nuanced flavors that highlight both the maturity of the whisky and the subtlety of the cask influence.
Fredrikson Stallard’s involvement elevates the release beyond traditional packaging, transforming the bottle into a sculptural artefact that captures the imagination. The design balances strength and delicacy, drawing inspiration from the Speyside landscape, its river valleys, and rugged highlands. This aesthetic approach communicates a story of place, tradition, and natural beauty, connecting the physical object to the liquid within and to the broader identity of The Glenlivet. The collaboration demonstrates how premium whisky brands are increasingly leveraging design partnerships to create holistic luxury experiences that appeal to collectors, aesthetes, and connoisseurs alike.
The 56 Year Old also demonstrates the enduring value of patience and expertise in whisky production. Each bottle represents decades of careful selection, cask management, and monitoring of maturation conditions. Over such an extended period, even small decisions—from the type of wood used for the cask to the microclimate in which it is stored—can significantly impact the flavour profile. The result is a whisky that not only tells a story of its ingredients and techniques but also encapsulates nearly six decades of dedication, expertise, and heritage.
The auction of the one-off 1 of 1 edition reflects an important trend in the luxury spirits market: ultra-rare whiskies are increasingly seen as both cultural artefacts and investment pieces. Collectors are drawn not only to the liquid itself but to the narrative, craftsmanship, and exclusivity embedded in each release. By connecting the release to Fredrikson Stallard’s design and supporting the National Trust for Scotland, The Glenlivet has created a multidimensional proposition that resonates on emotional, aesthetic, and ethical levels. This strategy positions the brand uniquely, distinguishing it from competitors in a crowded prestige whisky market.
The launch of the Eternal Collection Second Edition: 56 Year Old reinforces The Glenlivet’s reputation for innovation while staying true to its roots. Speyside’s landscape and history remain central to the brand’s identity, influencing not only production methods but also design and storytelling. Through careful cask selection, masterful maturation, and collaboration with world-class design partners, The Glenlivet continues to bring fresh dimensions to its single malt offerings, appealing to a discerning audience that values both tradition and modernity.
As the prestige single malt category evolves, The Glenlivet’s approach demonstrates how heritage, creativity, and purpose can intersect to produce remarkable products. The 56 Year Old is not merely a whisky; it is an embodiment of time, craftsmanship, and narrative, capturing the essence of Speyside in both taste and form. The release also signals a broader commitment to sustainability, culture, and charitable engagement, aligning the brand with contemporary values while maintaining its historical integrity.
In conclusion, the Eternal Collection Second Edition: 56 Year Old represents a pinnacle of achievement for The Glenlivet. From its intricate sculptural design by Fredrikson Stallard to its extraordinary 56-year maturation in bespoke sherry casks, the whisky exemplifies the marriage of heritage, innovation, and artistry. The one-off 1 of 1 auctioned at Sotheby’s further elevates the release, reinforcing the brand’s position as a leader in prestige single malt and its commitment to meaningful contributions beyond the industry. Through initiatives like this, The Glenlivet not only continues to define the standards of premium whisky but also demonstrates how luxury products can engage with culture, design, and social responsibility on multiple levels.
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