The Glenlivet is looking to the sun-soaked vineyards of southern France for its latest limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky.
The Glenlivet has unveiled The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition, a new expression selectively finished in three types of French wine casks — Château Sainte Marguerite white wine, Rivesaltes and Sauternes — designed to bring floral, orchard fruit and citrus characteristics to the distillery’s signature style.
The limited-edition whisky combines inspiration from Provence with The Glenlivet’s more than 200 years of Scotch whisky-making heritage in Scotland’s Livet Valley.
The cask combination is the centerpiece of the release. Château Sainte Marguerite is associated with Provence, while Sauternes casks can contribute rich fruit and sweetness. Rivesaltes, a fortified wine produced in southern France, adds another dimension to the finishing program.
The Glenlivet says the resulting whisky opens with aromas and flavors of white peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus, followed by an elegant, mellow finish and lingering ripe fruit character.
“With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected,” The Glenlivet Master Blender Kevin Balmforth said. “By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity.”
The release represents another example of Scotch producers using secondary cask finishes to introduce flavors beyond those traditionally associated with maturation in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Rather than allowing the French wine influence to dominate the whisky, The Glenlivet says the Provence Edition was developed to maintain the recognizable character of its 12-year-old single malt while adding the fruit and floral notes associated with its finishing casks.
The company is extending the French theme beyond the bottle with the introduction of Le Café du Whisky, an immersive pop-up experience built around what The Glenlivet calls a “Wee Taste of Provence.”
The experience debuts Sept. 17 in New York City and includes a culinary collaboration with Michelle Palazzo of Frenchette Bakery.
Palazzo created a Tarte aux Pêches inspired by The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition. The French-style pastry features vanilla bean custard infused with the single malt and topped with peaches, reflecting the whisky’s white peach, nectarine, pear and citrus characteristics.
The Glenlivet is also showcasing a Provençal Spritz made with the Provence Edition, positioning the single malt for drinking neat, on the rocks or as the base for a cocktail.
“Provence Edition celebrates The Glenlivet’s commitment to more than 200 years of craftsmanship and innovation, drawing inspiration from the flavors and spirit of one of the world’s most iconic regions,” said Kristen Colonna, vice president of marketing for The Glenlivet.
The release is accompanied by a Provence-inspired marketing campaign combining Scottish and French themes, including a fictional game dubbed “Peachtanque,” a play on pétanque and the peach flavors highlighted in the whisky.
For whisky drinkers, however, the most interesting part of the release may be what happens inside the bottle. Finishing a 12-year-old Glenlivet in three distinctly different French wine casks gives one of the world’s recognizable single malts an opportunity to explore a different flavor profile without abandoning its Speyside roots.
To learn more about The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition, explore recipes, discover local happenings, and find where to try it, visit TheGlenlivet.com.
ABOUT THE GLENLIVET
Founded by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malt category. With a commitment to outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within the single malt category in recent years. The Glenlivet has also recently launched its newly renovated brand home to open up Speyside to the world. Using innovative technology combined with exclusive bottlings, immersive tours and whisky tastings, The Glenlivet Brand Home brings visitors an experience like no other. From exploring the art of whisky making and showcasing rare editions, to reflecting The Glenlivet’s heritage throughout the interiors, the visitor experience pays homage to being the original mark of quality for Speyside single malt.
ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; Château Sainte Marguerite rosé and exquisite champagne Perrier-Jouët.
