The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky Winchester Collection 50 Years Old in Malaysia

The Malaysian chapter of The Glenlivet Guardians was formed through a series of “Taste and Discover” events which included pairing whisky with gourmet coffee, aged beef tasting and even, a haircut at the oldest barbershop in the world whilst sipping a dram.

The Glenlivet Winchester Collection is a series of 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies, released over the next few years starting with Vintage 1964 in 2014. Taking its name from current Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this exquisite collection of rare whiskies represents the legacy of a generation of men whose unparalleled craft and skill created this, the rarest of whisky.

At 8pm sharp on 12 June 2015, a 50 day online auction that started the hunt for a buyer and a home for Bottle No 3 from The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1964 came to a close on a high.

Bidders had to register as a Guardian on the online bidding site which at the end of the auction, had over 200 registrations. 

The Glenlivet created history by clocking in the highest price ever paid for a single bottle of single malt whisky in Malaysia at a price tag of RM96,000. The coveted bottle went to not one but four esteemed Guardians. Brought together by a common love for whisky, they decided to band together and pool their resources to win the right to own one of the rarest bottle of single malt whisky ever produced.

The winning bidders get a trip for two to the distillery of Glenlivet in Scotland, courtesy of Pernod Ricard Malaysia.

To celebrate Malaysia’s successful bid for bottle #3, The Guardians gathered at  5 Senses at the Westin Kuala Lumpur , where we were progressively served the 12, 15 and 18 year Glenlivets, paired with sumptuous food. 

The 12 year was served with herb braised whole abalone as the first course.  Quite surprisingly the well-presented abalone tasted rather bland. A quick check with my dining mates confirmed my doubts as they echoed similar sentiments.  

The 15 year Glenlivet was served with the second course of steamed black cod, mandarin peel and black bean paste with spring spinach. This went down well, particularly when accompanied with the smooth whiskey. 

The 18 year old naturally accompanied the final dish of the night - Foie Gras with Roast Duck Roulade. Unfortunately The Westin must have been experiencing a down time that night as the foie gras was sadly over-cooked and rubbery. Luckily for us the 15 and 18 year olds were still flowing so we consoled ourselves in typical Malaysian style.  

Dessert consisted of chilled Osmanthus cake with wolfberry and avocado mocchi which proved very refreshing to the palate after the whiskey. 

Vintage 1964 tasting notes

This cask of exceptional quality, made of American oak seasoned with Bourbon, has created a symphony of distinctive flavors, full of the signature fruity notes of The Glenlivet, intensified with age. Ripe pears, oranges and black cherries create an intriguing flavor, while smooth, creamy toffee notes give a rich, velvety texture. In the background, hints of caramelized sugar entice the taste buds and endure on the palate, creating the sort of whisky that legends are made of.

Packaging

Acclaimed Scottish glass artists Nichola Burns and Brodie Nairn (GLASSTORM) have created a decanter design, inspired by The Glenlivet’s glorious history. Completing the decanter is a jewel-like stopper, designed by internationally acclaimed silversmith Richard Fox, whose past commissions have included Formula One and Rolls Royce. The design combines precious materials such as rose gold, and is crowned with a ‘Cairngorm Stone’, often known as “The Whisky Stone” as a result of its unique coloring.

Completing the craft and expertise for Vintage 1964 is a presentation cabinet designed by award-winning furniture maker, John Galvin. Galvin has applied traditional cabinet-making techniques to a contemporary design, resulting in a beautiful, bespoke piece that will stand the test of time, just like the rare and precious liquid that is housed inside.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet is the No. 1 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallenged right to be called The Glenlivet. More on the Glenlivet here 

Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard - the world's co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. More on the Chivas Brothers here.