Chivas Brothers, the renowned Scotch whisky house behind The Glenlivet and Aberlour, unveiled the second release in its landmark partnership with Sotheby’s — The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Years Old, 1 of 1. This unique expression, representing over half a century of craftsmanship and maturation expertise, stood as a singular highlight in the world of fine and rare whisky.

The whisky was offered exclusively through Sotheby’s Finest & Rarest Whisky auction, running from 6–20 November 2025, with an estimated value between £35,000 and £70,000 (US$45,827–US$91,655).

Crafting a Once-in-a-Lifetime Whisky

At the heart of this extraordinary release was the vision of Master Blender Kevin Balmforth, who collaborated with expert Sherry suppliers in Spain to design a bespoke seasoning blend combining Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Palo Cortado. This custom blend seasoned a new Spanish oak cask more than four years prior, creating the foundation for the whisky’s rich depth and complexity.

The 56-year-old single malt matured in this bespoke Sherry butt, following its initial ageing in American oak, which infused the spirit with layers of vanilla and toffee. Together, these casks enriched The Glenlivet’s hallmark profile of orchard fruits and honeyed richness, producing a whisky that embodied rarity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Speyside.

Depth and Elegance

Bottled at 42.7% ABV, The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, offered a sumptuous tasting experience.

• On the nose, notes of poached plums, sticky dates, and dark chocolate ganache introduced the whisky’s luxurious depth. 
• The palate revealed fresh blackberries, ripe banana, and cherry compote.
• Followed by a velvety, sweet, complex finish highlighted by lingering dark chocolate.

A Masterpiece of Design and Presentation

The presentation of this release was as remarkable as the whisky itself. The 56-year-old spirit was housed in a 24-carat gold-plated spherical glass decanter, adorned with intricate gold engravings of heather branches. The bespoke bar top featured a 137.73-carat lab-grown Paraiba tourmaline simulant, adding a striking touch of brilliance.

Accompanying the decanter was a sculptural plinth designed by acclaimed artists Fredrikson Stallard, featuring 3D-printed heather branches plated in 24-carat gold that emerged from a base of Guatemalan green marble. Inspired by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the design reflected both the artistry and natural elegance synonymous with The Glenlivet.

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Supporting Scotland’s Cultural Heritage

Beyond its luxury appeal, the release carried a philanthropic mission. Proceeds from the sale supported the National Trust for Scotland’s excavation work within the Cairngorms, an initiative aimed at protecting archaeological remains at risk from erosion. This project continues the five-year partnership between The Glenlivet and the National Trust for Scotland, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to preserving its homeland’s cultural and natural heritage.

Continuing a Record-Breaking Legacy

The unveiling followed a series of record-setting achievements for Chivas Brothers. At the Distillers One of One Charity Auction on 10 October 2025, The Glenlivet Spira 60 Years Old 1965 achieved a record-breaking sale of £650,000 (US$851,080) — the highest bid ever recorded for the brand and the top single-bottle record in the auction’s history.

This success underlined the growing global appetite for exceptionally rare Scotch whiskies, as collectors increasingly view such releases as both works of art and long-term investment assets.

Honouring Craftsmanship, Provenance, and Prestige

Jacques-Henri Brive, Global Head of Luxury Development at Chivas Brothers, reflected on the release:

“Through our partnership with Sotheby’s, we are unlocking exclusive access to previously unseen rare Scotch from the archives of Chivas Brothers — broadening the horizons for luxury spirits collectors around the world. The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Years Old, 1 of 1 reflects our legacy of creating the world’s finest high-aged Scotch, giving the most discerning collectors an opportunity to own their own slice of Scotch whisky heritage.”

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, added:

“Even as the auction market steadies for fine and rare whisky, demand for truly exceptional liquid remains unwavering. With The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, we are once again bringing an extraordinary expression of luxury Scotch to the global stage.”

A Pinnacle of Scotch Whisky Artistry

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Years Old, stands as a tribute to Chivas Brothers’ relentless pursuit of excellence, uniting heritage, artistry, and innovation in a single decanter. Through its collaboration with Sotheby’s, The Glenlivet continues to elevate the world of fine whisky collecting — offering connoisseurs not just a drink, but a piece of living history.

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