1964 Glenlivet Cellar Collection (bottled 2004)

Notes from the producer:
Rich fruity aromas of raisins and ripe bananas; notes of sherry and walnuts interplay with a spicy oakiness. The palate is full and beautifully smooth with the perfect balance of sweet plums and the full floral extravagance of heather in bloom. The finish is rich and warming with a gentle fruity spiciness.

Until the early 19th Century, like almost all Scottish distilleries at the time, Glenlivet operated illegally in order to avoid paying exorbitant taxes to the English Crown.

In 1823 the English government significantly lowered taxes on distilleries to discourage their owners from going to such great lengths in order to evade paying them. George Smith, then owner of the Glenlivet, saw the opportunity was a good one and was one of the first to have his distilling licence officially granted in 1824.

Cooperating with the English system of taxation was widely viewed as a scandalous move by Smith's illegal neighbouring distilleries who threatened violence against him and his property. For this reason Smith carried a pair of pistols on his person night and day as a conspicuous yet effective form of self defence from his local rivals. To this day the name George Smith is printed on the labels and the pistols are proudly exhibited at the distillery itself.

An early fan of The Glenlivet happened to be King George IV who allegedly demanded it by name on his state visit in 1822, before it became legal(!).

To commemorate the 180th anniversary of the distillery's official date of inception, 1824 bottles have been filled from a total of 15 casks, that were hand chosen by previous distillery manager Jim Cryle. 

Presented in a solid oak cabinet with a booklet containing tasting notes and further information about the Glenlivet Cellar Collection series.

Originally released in 2004

Bottle numbers:
870/1824 - sold
1708/1824 - available

Bottle size: 70cl

Alcohol: 45.1%

Shipped weight: 4kg