The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, today announced the addition of The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection to its portfolio of award-winning single malt Scotch whiskies. A category-first innovation, the new expres…
The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, today announced the addition of The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection to its portfolio of award-winning single malt Scotch whiskies. A category-first innovation, the new expression offers an elevated, one-of-a-kind taste experience by selectively finishing1 The Glenlivet's iconic single malt Scotch whisky in bespoke casks that are uniquely crafted by fusing dismantled rum and bourbon barrels. The launch of The Glenlivet Fusion Cask Rum comes as the #1 single malt scotch whisky2 brand continues to challenge conventions and set new standards of excellence within the single malt category.
In a first for Scotch, The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection has been expertly finished in bespoke casks crafted from a combination of first-fill rum and bourbon barrels to deliver a distinctive single malt taste experience. These hand-selected barrels have been dismantled and reassembled by expert coopers into one bespoke cask, creating a harmonious fusion of luscious fruit and caramel-toffee notes. This luxurious new depth of flavor elevates The Glenlivet's signature fruity house style. The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection offers aromas of orange, vanilla custard, caramel, coconut and zest of lemon, notes of juicy apricot and peach, fresh apples, toffee-covered bananas and subtle cinnamon spice on the palate, and a sweet and smooth finish with enduring notes of orange.
Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Expert says:
This category-first innovation continues our commitment and 200-year legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky. As a team of makers at The Glenlivet, we work closely with our partners at the cooperage to ensure the handmade casks are of the highest quality, and this intricate dismantling and reassembling process to create new bespoke casks ensures a distinctive and expertly-crafted finish.
Balmforth and the team of makers at The Glenlivet were drawn to the idea of a fusion cask finish – taking two separate flavors from outside The Glenlivet's home in Scotland and bringing them together to create a taste experience that is one-of-a-kind for Scotch. With an unconventional process, expertly crafted finish and distinctive technique, The Glenlivet Fusion Cask is a testament to The Glenlivet's spirit of craftmanship and innovation. This spirit, which dates back to 1824 when The Glenlivet founder George Smith became the first distiller to secure a legal whisky distilling license in the parish of Glenlivet, continues to inspire our makers today, paying homage to the brand's legacy whilst forever moving forwards.
Johan Radojewski, Vice President Marketing - Scotch, Irish & Prestige Whisk(e)y, Pernod Ricard USA adds:
The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask is a welcome addition to our portfolio as we continue our journey to push the single malt category forward. Prestige spirits drinkers in the US are seeking unique and elevated taste experiences, and The Glenlivet Fusion Cask proudly delivers on that demand as we pioneer new depths of flavor through our commitment to craftmanship and innovation.
The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection is launching February 2024 in the US, as the iconic single malt Scotch whisky commences its bicentennial celebrations, marking 200 years of redefining traditions and moving the single malt Scotch whisky category forward. This unique whisky is the first in The Glenlivet Fusion Cask Series and joins The Glenlivet's remarkable range of prestigious single malts. To discover more about The Glenlivet Fusion Cask and experience taste transformed by fusion, please visit https://www.theglenlivet.com/en-us/fusion-cask/.
My Take
I'm not a huge scotch fan, but I know a lot of you are so I thought it was important to post this. I'd be curious if anyone tries this, what they think of it compared to bourbon. That might be a future article if I see this out and about.
What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.
Source: Pernod Ricard USA