Marking The Glenlivet’s remarkable 200th year, there are several initiatives, innovations, events, and celebrations in the works, but it all begins here in Hong Kong with the launch of its 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition, but what’s special about the 12-year-old single malt is that the release features a hand-selected, golden-amber liquid matured in first-fill American oak, presenting an original take on The Glenlivet’s classic 12-year-old expression.

Crafted by the legendary whisky makers who have continued to use founder George Smith’s lantern-shaped stills at the distillery, legend has it that the extraordinary, pioneering shape plays an integral role in producing The Glenlivet’s signature taste. For epicureans who take note, the latest drop has tasting notes of ripe pear, sweet orange marmalade, coconut, and vanilla, as well as fruity complements of tangerines, pineapple, and rich crème caramel. The Glenlivet’s 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition is a celebration of Smith’s vision and preferred palate, offering the perfect harmony of sweet and zesty. 

In keeping with the tradition of many of The Glenlivet’s special editions, the coveted bottles have been enjoyed, collected, reserved, and preserved, as well as gifted and regifted for eons. As Charles Dickens put quill to ink, “My Dear Bell, A man in Edinburgh supposed to be unparalleled in his whisky education has just sent me what they call in the City of London ‘a small parcel’ of what he recommends as rare old Glenlivet,” the famed writer wrote. “Try the accompanying specimen, and drink some as heartily as I will drink to you.”

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet’s Speyside single malt was born, to pilfer an opening quote, during “the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief.” Smith had the Herculean task of bringing to cask legitimacy when he competed against illicit distillers that surrounded him and, in the parish of Glenlivet, he secured the first legal licence to distil whisky.

200 years is but a chapter in The Glenlivet’s storied history, as the brand has enjoyed many literary allusions, time-capsule moments (miniature bottles were served on Pullman train company’s lengthy routes), pop-culture sightings (the whisky was featured in Hong Kong actor Michael Wong’s music video), and film references (The Glenlivet has appeared in Anchorman, Grosse Pointe Blank, and The Mummy). You can find innumerable anecdotes in the brand’s golden years as a matter of fact and in matters of taste, and the fondness many have for the single malt comes not just from mere legend, but in crafting quality whisky that defines its flavour profile, formed from the crystal-clear waters of the River Spey and aged in European and American oak casks to bring forth the delectable flavours.

“This year is an important landmark anniversary for The Glenlivet as we look back to look forward towards the next 200 years,” says Jayne Murphy, marketing director of malts at Chivas Brothers, in an official statement. “Since our founder George Smith introduced Speyside single malt whisky to the world in 1824, we’ve been committed to challenging conventions and will continue to craft the future of single malt whisky while setting new and uncharted standards of excellence. We extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in raising a dram with our celebratory limited-edition 12-Year-Old and we look forward to the celebrations to come throughout the year. Here’s to the next 200 years!”

Fitting for the occasion, the artwork for The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition features influential figures and significant landmarks integral to the brand’s story. 

The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition is available now at all major retailers and wine stores. Learn more here.

All images courtesy of The Glenlivet.