The Glenlivet Spectra Whiskey Gift Set, 3x20cl

Product Information

We may, but are not under any obligation, to release new functionalities and tools or other features for the Service every now and then. Any new functionalities, tools and features shall be part of and governed by the Terms from the moment they are launched and/or available. Further, we reserve the right to modify, change, discontinue the Service, add or remove features, update the Service, change its appearance, temporarily and permanently, at any time, in whole or any part thereof. After a one-year wait, it was the moment that fans of The Glenlivet Spectra had been waiting for – the grand reveal of what lies within in the three 20cl bottles, which has left people, including The Glenlivet’s own team, guessing and hypothesising during the past twelve months. Why the name “Spectra” (which sounds like the name of a movie)? Well, we can only suppose it’s because this trio of mystery Scotch whiskies invites consumers to explore a wide “spectrum” of flavours through an immersive tasting experience. Each expression is a reinterpretation of The Glenlivet’s signature smooth and fruity house style and is released without any hint of what’s inside. Glenlivet 1938 GM For celebrate H. M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother's 80th Birthday, 4th August 1980 This year’s release is called Glenlivet Spectra and rather than being one whisky, it’s three, showing the range of flavour you can get from a single distillery – the spectrum of flavour, if you will.

Probably the most spectacular of the Spectra trio is bottle no.3, introduced by Jenna Murray, The Glenlivet’s US ambassador. Finish: A burst of mint and menthol is washed away by cream and apple sauce. Hints of charcoal and char build, along with mint. Alan Winchester, Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, said: “True to our tradition-breaking spirit, we created an innovative whisky tasting experience across three single malts. Stretching our signature house style into three different single malt whiskies that work together as a collection was a unique challenge. Description: After the Scotch Whisky Association rightly relaxed some of the rules around what is allowed in maturation, we’re now seeing whiskies involving tequila casks. This one is the second that I know of, following a low-key release from Diageo for the Mexican market. And now there’s Spectra, it sounds like something to do with James Bond but it’s actually a trio of Scotch whiskies in 20cl bottles filled at 40% ABV. Winchester commented: “ The Glenlivet Spectra is the first limited edition we’ve created that comes as a trio of single malts. We wanted to craft a series of whisky expressions that stretch the smooth and fruity house style into three different directions.” The idea is that without knowing anything about them, you just appreciate the spectrum of flavours. Oh, that’s where the name comes from, it’s the plural of spectrum. Very clever Glenlivet.

Simon Wittenberg takes a look at The Glenlivet’s new limited trio of single malt Scotch whiskies that leaves people guessing…

Through a virtual experience, which can be activated by scanning Spectra’s QR code on a smartphone, whisky drinkers are then given cryptic hints and are challenged to put their tasting abilities to the test as they seek to determine the most prominent flavours of each bottle (i.e. whether it’s toffee, vanilla and pear for example). At the end of each tasting, users are given a personalised scorecard showing how close they got to decoding each of the three mysterious single malts. It’s all down to Scotch lovers to decipher the profile, and this has been assisted thanks to a bespoke digital experience that transports whisky lovers into a multi-sensory world. This thereby allows them to explore their own palate and personally interpret the elusive tasting notes of each expression. Nose: Orchard fruit wonderland. Apples, pears, and rich toffee. There’s an artificial sugariness like cotton candy too. Autumnal. Nose: Unexpectedly soft and aromatically floral (think roses), though there’s a definite herbal tang too, like aloe vera gel and cucumbers. Delightful and unusual.

In just two years after the act, the number of licensed distilleries doubled and legal whisky production rose from two million to six million gallons a year. Glenlivet was so prestigious that it gave its name to the whole region, now known as Speyside. To help preserve his brand, George Smith’s son, John Gordon Smith, applied for sole rights to the name, which were granted in 1884 but allowed other producers to hyphenate it with their own names eg. Glenfarclas-Glenlivet, which is still seen today, though very rarely. Which is why the original is known grandly as THE Glenlivet to differentiate itself from all those hyphenated Glenlivets. Description: A whisky released specifically to be enjoyed in highballs, it was produced at the Loch Lomond distillery. Because it’s using a mix of grain and malt whisky, it has to be classified as a ‘blend’ even though it was produced at one facility. If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.As well as being sold as a single malt, Glenlivet was much in demand by blenders. Blended whisky was taking off in the 19th century, most notably by Edinburg merchant Andrew Usher with his OVG (Old Vatted Glenlivet) which was launched in 1852 and had The Glenlivet as a principle component in the blend. By the 20th century the vast majority of the distillery’s production was going for fillings but in the 1970s Glenlivet once again began to market itself as a single malt, especially in the lucrative US market. Given the mysterious nature of The Glenlivet Spectra, we aimed to ensure each flavour was distinct and recognisable. I hope whisky lovers enjoy exploring the wide spectrum of flavours within The Glenlivet Spectra, as much as we enjoyed crafting them.” The colour is very light due to the barrels that have been used, and on the nose, there’s ripe pear, some citrus zest and a whisper of smoke. This expression has a nice and long Picante finish. Nose: A pronounced yet not overpowering smoky aroma rises from the glass, hinting at asphalt and petrichor. Up close, there’s a toasty, salty smoke character underpinned by vanilla bean and grilled pineapple.

We then tried to get Mr Winchester to reveal a little about the oak treatment but he kept schtum. The company isn’t even publishing tasting notes at the moment. You’ll have to buy Spectra, and work them out for yourself. He commented: “We’re deliberately releasing The Glenlivet Spectra without any information so that we don’t give anything away. We want whisky drinkers to challenge their senses and really put their taste to the test when taking part in the digital experience. Tasting notes will be revealed towards the end of the year so keep your eyes peeled.” How this particular boxed set works is that a “bespoke digital experience that transports whisky lovers into a multi-sensory world, allowing them to explore their own palate and personally interpret the elusive tasting notes of each expression.” To this end “whisky drinkers will be given cryptic hints and challenged to put their tasting abilities to the test as they seek to determine what flavour profiles make each bottle unique. At the end of each tasting, users are given a personalised scorecard showing how close they are to decoding each of the three mysterious single malts.”Whiskybase B.V. is the Dutch private limited liability company, having its statutory seat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and its office at Zwaanshals 530, 3035 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Whiskybase B.V. is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under no. 52072819. Taste: The rawness is gone, the bananas have stayed, and there’s a nice creamed coconut texture along with milk chocolate. The Service has been prepared by us solely for information purposes to Members and the Service is based on information we consider reliable and we obtain the contents of the Service from a number of different third party sources (including Contributions), but we do not endorse, support, represent, warrant or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of the Services and any information therein.

Palate: A sweet vanilla entry builds to mild to moderate smoke, more smoldering than billowing, with caramelized pears and plantains beneath the haze. The peppery finish brings cinnamon, clove, menthol, jalapeño, and coffee bean, but the final note is that signature clean, fruity Glenlivet sweetness. Fun to taste a smoky Glenlivet! The full tasting notes and cask information will be revealed later this year, which will enable drinkers to fully uncover the expertly crafted tasting notes contained within The Glenlivet Spectra. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.Bottle no.2 was unveiled by Minenhle Radebe, the distillery’s ambassador in South Africa, which has been made from The Glenlivet’s 12-year-old ex-peat. It means that a European and American Oak cask has been used to mature it, but it has been finished in an American oak cask that has peated notes. Nothing in the Terms shall exclude or limit our liability for fraudulent misrepresentation or for death or personal injury resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct by us. Each and every Member must be of legal drinking age in its country of residence to be allowed to use the Service. If no such law exists in a Member’s country of residence, the Member has to be over 21 years old to use the Service. We have the right to ask you to provide proof of your age and/or to provide further identification to prevent underage usage and/or for any other legal or legitimate purpose. By using the Service, and by creating an account you represent, warrant and confirm that you are of legal age. Simon Wittenberg takes a look at The Glenlivet’s new limited trio of single malt Scotch whiskies that leaves people guessing…