KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 —Three months ago, a single bottle of whisky was auctioned off at RM96,000, making The Glenlivet 50 year old Winchester Collection Bottle No. 3 the most expensive bottle of single malt whisky ever sold in Malaysia.
What the auction showed was just how popular whisky is in Malaysia. More importantly it is an indication of how significant Malaysia is to The Glenlivet.
Many Malaysians love a wee dram now and again, and The Glenlivet is a leading favourite among the increasingly popular single malt whiskies.
Its consistently high quality has its roots in The Glenlivet’s 200-year history, a tale of single-minded dedication and irrepressible spirit, which is how George Smith’s whisky came to be “the single malt that started it all”.
Illegal whisky distilling was rampant in the 19th century, and the wilds of Scotland were conducive to both distillers and smugglers alike.
Illicit whiskies from The Glenlivet, in particular, in Speyside were unsurpassed, reflecting the remote location, high altitude and geological structure which combined to create a unique climate.
So desirable were these whiskies from The Glenlivet that King George IV even sought a dram on a state visit in 1822. Shocking as that was, it opened the eyes of George Smith who seized the opportunity to obtain the first distiller’s licence under the new Customs and Excise Act of 1823.
Able to make and trade his whisky legally, he was much resented by those who continued to run their own illicit stills. Threatened with violence to his person and damage to the distillery, George Smith prevailed and built a thriving business.
Later, his son John Gordon Smith won the exclusive right to call the unique spirit The Glenlivet, with a trademark to protect and keep impostors from copying the name.
The Glenlivet is known for its classic range of whiskies which consists of the 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old and 18 Year Old.
A smooth whisky matured in American Oak, the 12 Year Old is a delicately well-balanced dram with nice floral and tropical fruit notes. The 15 Year Old, a firm favourite, is matured in French Oak with fruity, nutty and vanilla flavours for a richer and creamier finish.
As for the 18 Year Old, one of the biggest sellers in the country, has a richer flavour imparting a spicy hint and a burst of bitter orange marmalade flavors.
The Glenlivet is nothing without its supporters, chief among them The Guardians of The Glenlivet.
The Malaysian chapter was formed more than a year ago and has grown to more than 600 members, who meet fellow enthusiasts who share their knowledge and passion for the single malt that started it all.
The Glenlivet hosts monthly unique tasting sessions for the Guardians. Whisky pairings at these monthly gatherings offer exciting and unusual experiences, expanding the Guardians’ horizons with coffee, North Indian street food and even contemporary Malaysian fusion at the country’s avant garde restaurant.
The Glenlivet is owned by Chivas Brothers — the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, and the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin.
For more information on The Glenlivet and The Glenlivet Guardians, kindly contact Rachael at [email protected].
