The Glenlivet 56 Year Old: A One-Of-A-Kind Whisky

THE GLENLIVET
56 YEAR OLD
1 OF 1

A whisky 56 years in the making, The Glenlivet 56 Year Old 1 of 1 represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and time. Created as the second release in The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, this singular expression encapsulates over half a century of maturation, artistry, and innovation – now unveiled in partnership with Sotheby’s as a one-of-a-kind auction piece.

The 56 Year Old will be available exclusively through Sotheby’s Finest & Rarest Whisky Auction, running online from 6–20 November 2025. The release will also be on display at the Sotheby’s London Gallery from 10 November, where guests can explore not only the decanter but also a full The Glenlivet takeover at the gallery restaurant, inspired by the whisky’s flavour profile and craftsmanship.

The art of time and rarity

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection celebrates the enduring legacy of Scotland’s original Speyside single malt through exceptional one-off releases. This second edition, the 56 Year Old 1 of 1, embodies the mastery and patience that define The Glenlivet’s heritage.

Crafted by Master Blender Kevin Balmforth, the whisky’s journey began more than five decades ago. Balmforth collaborated with sherry suppliers in Spain to develop a bespoke seasoning blend of Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez and Palo Cortado, which seasoned a new Spanish oak cask before the whisky was laid down over four years ago. Combined with an American oak barrel, this unique dual-maturation process weaves layers of vanilla, toffee and honey with The Glenlivet’s signature orchard fruit and creamy richness.

The result is a whisky of extraordinary depth and finesse – an expression that honours the distillery’s pioneering spirit while pushing the boundaries of innovation in cask finishing.

A liquid masterpiece

Bottled at cask strength, 42.7% ABV, the 56 Year Old 1 of 1 opens with aromas of poached plums, sticky dates and cherry compote, with indulgent notes of toffee, ganache and vanilla. On the palate, fresh blackberries and ripe bananas complement The Glenlivet’s hallmark orchard fruit and honeyed richness.

The finish is velvety and enduring, with waves of dark chocolate and subtle sweetness that linger long after the final sip – a testament to the patient evolution of time in oak.

A decanter beyond compare

To house such a remarkable whisky, The Glenlivet turned to acclaimed British-Swedish design duo Fredrikson Stallard, whose work sits in collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum and MoMA San Francisco.

Their bespoke design transforms the decanter into a sculpture of craftsmanship and meaning. The vessel is plated in 24 carat gold, engraved with scorched heather branches – a tribute to Scotland’s natural landscape. Rising from a base of Guatemalan green marble, these branches symbolise resilience, regeneration and heritage. Whilst the bottle’s bespoke bar top is crowned with a 137.73 carat lab-grown Paraíba Tourmaline simulant. Together, art and whisky intertwine to tell a story of nature, patience and human craft.

The result is a whisky of extraordinary depth and finesse – an expression that honours the distillery’s pioneering spirit while pushing the boundaries of innovation in cask finishing.

A partnership of provenance

The auction forms part of a continuing collaboration between The Glenlivet and Sotheby’s, bringing rare and unreleased single malts to discerning collectors around the world.

Proceeds from the 56 Year Old 1 of 1 auction will support the National Trust for Scotland, funding archaeological preservation in the Cairngorms where erosion threatens prehistoric remains. The initiative builds upon a five-year partnership between The Glenlivet and the Trust – a commitment to protecting the very landscape that has shaped the whisky’s identity for over 200 years.

The release follows The Glenlivet’s record-breaking SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965, which achieved £650,000 at Sotheby’s Distillers One of One Charity Auction in 2025 – the highest bid ever recorded for the brand.

Experiencing The Glenlivet at Sotheby’s

From 10 November 2025, visitors to Sotheby’s London Gallery can view the 56 Year Old 1 of 1 alongside a The Glenlivet takeover in the gallery restaurant. The seasonal menu – featuring elegant Scottish produce and modern dishes – is designed to complement the craftsmanship of the release, offering guests a refined dining experience before or after viewing the decanter.

With thoughtful cooking, considered flavours and select aged expressions of The Glenlivet available by the glass, the takeover turns a visit to the gallery into a broader celebration of heritage, taste and artistry.

The legacy continues

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old 1 of 1, stands as more than a bottle; it is a reflection of endurance, artistry and innovation – a whisky shaped by decades, created to be admired, and crafted to last forever.

Collectors can register early interest and view the full auction details here.