The Glenlivet Marks 200th Anniversary With ‘Category-First Innovation’ Appealing to Bourbon, Scotch and Rum Drinkers

The Glenlivet unveiled its second whisky to roll out during its bicentennial: The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection. (Photo: The Glenlivet)

On Wednesday, The Glenlivet unveiled a new addition to its portfolio: The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection. The expression was made from The Glenlivet’s single malt finished in custom casks, made from disassembled rum and bourbon barrel casks.

“This category-first innovation continues our commitment and 200-year legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky,” The Glenlivet Cask Expert Kevin Balmforth said in a news release. “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.”

The custom casks were created from first-fill rum and bourbon barrels. The barrels were taken apart and reassembled into one finishing cask, featuring disassembled heads and tails of rum and bourbon casks. The brand claims the finishing cask “elevates The Glenlivet’s signature fruity house style.”

The Glenlivet is currently celebrating its bicentennial and released a limited-edition 12-year-old whisky to kick things off in January. This latest expression marks the second whisky to roll out in 2024.

“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,” Pernod Ricard’s vice president of marketing – scotch, Irish and prestige whisky, Johan Radojewski, said in a statement. “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 craftsmanship and innovation.”

The Speyside scotch whisky brand describes The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection as possessing aromas of vanilla custard, citrus fruit and coconut, followed by a palate of toffee-covered bananas, apples and cinnamon. The finish continues that orange-driven through line according to The Glenlivet.

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