THE GLENLIVET ARCHIVE 21 YEAR OLD IWSC Trophy a fitting ...

THE GLENLIVET ARCHIVE 21 YEAR OLDIWSC Trophy a fitting accolade for the “Sean Connery ofwhiskies”*The recent award of the 2005 International Wine & Spirit Competition Trophy confirmsthe status of The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old as one of the finest single malt Scotchwhiskies. The trophy is the latest and most prestigious distinction for the expressionreferred to by John Hansell in Malt Advocate* magazine as “the Sean Connery ofwhiskies – mature, sexy, rich and debonair.”The Glenlivet Distillery retains an Archive of some of its finest casks, a mark of its longand distinguished history in the cradle of Scotch whisky-making. Its founder, GeorgeSmith, was the first man granted a licence for the legal production of whisky in Glenlivetin 1824 and by then, the reputation of Glenlivet whisky was already well established asthe most famous in Scotland. The present day Archive represents the same pursuit ofexcellence.At The Glenlivet distillery today, only casks of the highest quality are selected and laiddown in The Archive to mature undisturbed. The cask is only removed when it is readyto be a part of one of Speyside’s most highly-respected expressions, The GlenlivetArchive 21 Year Old.The Glenlivet is widely recognised as being a single malt of great complexity, and noexpression is more complex that the Archive 21 Year Old – arguably, this is the definitiveexpression of The Glenlivet.

A Final Whisky Of Great SubtletyIt is not simply the age statement that makes The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old such anoble and lauded whisky, more than half of the flavour profile of whisky comes from thecasks used for maturation. The better the cask, the more influence it will have on thewhisky, so each and every cask selected will be of the very highest quality.Different types of oak cask exert different influences on maturing whisky. The profile ofThe Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old can be comprised of up to seven different types ofcask – from ex-bourbon barrels to ex-sherry butts and traditional hogsheads – all ofwhich contribute to the richness and depth of the final whisky.The final whisky is selected and bottled in the most traditional of ways, on a batch basis.Specific casks from The Archive are hand-selected only when at the peak of maturity.For this reason, each batch of The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old will share the samedistinctive personality of The Glenlivet but display slightly different characteristics. Eachindividual box and bottle will also display the batch number to assist collectors withidentification.The whisky from the selected casks is emptied, brought together and then filled into oakcasks again for a further period of maturation known as marrying; this allows forvariations in taste and flavour to intermingle before bottling thereby creating a finalwhisky of great subtlety. As before, all casks are matured on-site at The GlenlivetDistillery to benefit from its unique cool climate perfect for slowly maturing whisky.

The Perfect Physical ShowcaseTo mark the exceptional quality of The Glenlivet 21 year old, a new, clear bottle will beintroduced to showcase the amber hue derived from a full 21 years of maturation. Inaddition, the use of a new wood-veneer frame highlights the premium nature of TheGlenlivet Archive 21 Year Old and provides the perfect physical showcase for an awardwinningwhisky of such finesse and undisputed heritage.

The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year OldTasting notesColourAmber with sparkling shades of copper.NoseUnreducedOpulent and mature displaying a clear Sherry influence. There is an intricate array offruit and wood; Christmas cake, sultanas, Maraschino cherry. Then thick-cutmarmalade, oak panels in an old church. There is a touch of cedar, balsamic spicesand a hint of eucalyptus.Oak soon gives way to malty notes; toasted granary bread and the freshness ofcitrus, orange and kumquat peel. There are also cake-like notes and a reminder ofGrand Marnier soufflé.ReducedWater highlights the fruity bouquet and brings out vanilla notes. There are lighternotes of ripe peaches, pear and marzipan pie and luscious barley sugar aromas.PalateIt is unctuous, mouth-coating and almost syrupy; full-bodied with sultana cake andginger biscuits. Oak holds the reins back, releasing a drying spiciness. The whiskyalso has cinnamon and ginger, a touch of hot paprika and walnut and raisins darkchocolate.FinishEverlasting; warming and nutty with toasted hazelnuts and a full layer of liquorice.CommentA distinguished maturity has been achieved through age and cask selection; Sherrynotes give additional depth to the distillery character and a cake-like sweetness.Wood is well integrated but firmly frames the aromatic palate.The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old is a very special dram to linger over and enjoy.