It seems only appropriate that the Canadian debut of such a considered, refined Scotch whisky be first experienced by some of the most discerning tastemakers the country has to offer. In a collaborative event alongside The Glenlivet, SHARP brought together its community of VIPs to celebrate the launch of The Glenlivet 40 Year Old, a debut that stands as the brand’s latest and oldest permanent expression.
Aged to perfection and finished in seasoned sherry casks, The Glenlivet 40 Year Old delivers an unparalleled masterclass in craftsmanship, delicately balancing between tradition and innovation. Held in Toronto’s East Room, attendees were among the first in North America to taste this extraordinary expression, marking yet another landmark achievement for the Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distiller. A true testament to The Glenlivet’s pioneering legacy and following the brand’s 200th anniversary last year, this new, elevated single malt is bottled at cask strength at 46.9% ABV.
To celebrate the launch, VIP guests were invited to experience a private dinner hosted by one of Canada’s most sought-after chefs and restauranteurs, David Schwartz. Each course from Schwartz’s Ossington steakhouse, Linny’s, was paired with an expression from The Glenlivet Collection. The Glenlivet 14 Year Old was served alongside plated canapés followed by The Glenlivet 15 Year Old paired with traditional kasha and bows. Cross cut short rib complemented the depth and spiciness of The Glenlivet 21 Year Old while the babka concluded the meal alongside the elegant, balanced, yet complex notes of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. The collection offered something for every taste, from those who enjoy their whisky neat to Canadians looking for a perfectly balanced whisky cocktail.
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
“Last year, we proudly marked 200 years of The Glenlivet — two centuries of pushing boundaries and setting the standard for Speyside single malt whisky,” says Maura Cowan, Vice President, Marketing, Corby Spirit & Wine. “The 40 Year Old is a testament to The Glenlivet’s storied heritage, and we invite Canadians to raise a glass with us as we celebrate this exceptional new single malt.”
Following an intimate dinner, a cocktail event celebrating the brand’s rich heritage saw the first tasting of the newest expression, The Glenlivet 40 Year Old. Each expression came to life in their own custom bars, designed cohesively in the brand’s aesthetic while also paying homage to each specific bottle, offering guests a true journey through the ages of The Glenlivet. Alongside fellow Canadian innovators and tastemakers, attendees had the opportunity to purchase the coveted 40 Year Old throughout the evening to add to their collections.
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
SHARP Sets the Stage for a Grand Debut: The Glenlivet 40 Year Old
The new single malt Scotch whisky has been matured and refined for at least 40 years, meticulously nurtured by The Glenlivet’s team of cask experts, past and present. Finally, under the watchful eye of The Glenlivet Cask Master Kevin Balmforth, this permanent new expression was carefully finished in custom casks from the heart of Jerez in Spain. These were seasoned with a bespoke blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, ensuring they would harmonize seamlessly with the depth and maturity of this Single Malt whisky, elevating it to a masterpiece worthy of its age.
The choice of cask finish and extensive maturation period together pays testament to The Glenlivet’s unwavering craftsmanship, a commitment celebrated by SHARP and our guests. The final flavour profile of The Glenlivet 40 Year Old offers an impressive depth and extraordinary taste experience with rich notes of poached plums and charred orange, dark cherries, warming spice and braised red apples. The finish is as rewardingly long and sweet as one could hope for after four decades of refinement and The Glenlivet’s two centuries of excellence.
