The Glenlivet ‘Modernizes Scotch Whisky,’ Enters RTD Space With Launch of 2 Classic ‘Twist & Mix’ Cocktails
The Glenlivet debuted Twist & Mix ready-to-drink cocktails. (Photo: The Glenlivet)
Scotch whisky producer The Glenlivet has made the leap and entered the ready-to-drink game with a pair of pre-made whisky cocktails that launched Monday. The Speyside-based distillery announced the launch of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails, for whisky aficionados and fans of the brand alike.
RTD cocktails have been on the rise and are poised to continue their a meteoric rise this year, and whiskey-based RTDs are registering the “fastest growth,” so says Wine Enthusiast.
The collection is set to debut from the Pernod Ricard-owned brand with an Old Fashioned and New Manhattan, using The Glenlivet’s single malt.
“The launch of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails is the latest example of The Glenlivet leading the category in modernizing single malt scotch whisky,” Pernod Ricard’s vice president of marketing – Scotch, Irish & prestige whisky, Johan Radojewski, said in a news release. “With this new innovative product, we are inspiring people to enjoy single malt scotch whisky in more occasions and providing a solution to meet consumer demand for high quality, freshly mixed cocktails that are easy to serve and enjoy with friends and family.”
The Glenlivet describes the Old Fashioned as silky, with aromas of orange, nutmeg and cinnamon. The New Manhattan, which the brand describes as a “testament to the timeless classic,” hosts notes of cherry and ginger, per the brand. The cocktails are easy to serve and involve three simple steps: twisting the cap, watching it mix, and pouring the ready-to-drink cocktail over ice to enjoy.
The Glenlivet’s innovative twist cap uses Vessl’s patented delivery technology, according to the brand. Vessl Inc. is an Arizona-based company that developed a patented beverage delivery device that instantly mixes ingredients “without a change in consumer behavior” according to the brand. The purpose of the technology is to keep beverage products fresher for longer periods of time.
The patented technology in the lid allows drinkers to mix craft cocktails with no effort — and no mess. A simple twisting of The Glenlivet’s lid releases the ingredients for each cocktail into the bottle.
The distillery’s aim for entering the ready-to-drink space centers on providing its consumers with high-quality cocktails at home.
Consumers interested in purchasing The Glenlivet’s Twist & Mix Cocktails can visit the distillery’s website and have access to them here.
Tasting The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails
(Photo: Whiskey Raiders)
We sampled The Glenlivet’s Twist & Mix Cocktails ahead of their release. Here’s what we thought.
The Glenlivet Old Fashioned
Nose: Flamed citrus peel, caramel, tobacco, warm vanilla, bold and dominant white florals.
Taste: Balanced and elegant — this Old Fashioned doesn’t lean too much on the sugar here, and the more savory, earthy characteristics of The Glenlivet’s scotch are showcased beautifully. It doesn’t taste too high-proof, either, and all of The Glenlivet’s briny, tea-like qualities are well integrated with the other components of this bottled cocktail. The subtle citrus essence is a nice bonus that brightens things up a bit. The specialized cap lends a certain “freshness” here, and it doesn’t feel “pre-mixed” at all.
Finish: Lengthy, with bits of cinnamon and a burnt caramel through-line.
Overall: This is a lovely riff on an Old Fashioned and does not taste like what one would imagine an RTD cocktail would taste like. Its sophisticated, warm, cerebral and perfect for enjoying during evenings full of deep conversations.
The Glenlivet New Manhattan
Nose: Baked cherry pie with a golden pastry crust. The cherry is quite powerful but not off-putting, kind of reminiscent of Tom Ford’s “Lost Cherry” perfume — but in a good way.
Taste: More cherry goodness with some spice. There’s a bitterness that channels Angostura bitters here, but the full list of ingredients aren’t provided so I can’t be sure. Either way, Manhattan enthusiasts will be happy to know this isn’t cloying and sweet despite the fruitiness of this cocktail. Like its counterpart, it’s incredibly balanced and tastes like it was just made for you by a bartender.
Finish: Smooth with more cherries, nice kick of baking spice on the back palate.
Overall: If one of these Twist & Mix expressions was the “extrovert” of the bunch, it would be the New Manhattan. Lively, yet balanced — but fun and racy from all that cherry berry action going on. Great to enjoy before going out on the town for the night.
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