Glenlivet 64 Years Old Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Cask 1412 41% 1954

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Distillery	Glenlivet
Bottler	Gordon & MacPhail
Serie	Private Collection
Bottled for
Distilled date	1954
Bottling date	2018
Country	Scotland
Region	Speyside
Age	64
Cask Type	Refill Sherry Butt
Cask Number	1412
Alcohol %	41%
Volume	0,70
Condition	In Original Wooden Case
Label	Perfect
Stock	1

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

Indeed this very rare old one is brand new and, just like the fantastic Caol Ila we had yesterday, comes in a rather wonderful decanter that’s really not as kitsch as other extravaganzas that may be encountered elsewhere in Scotland (never forget your sunglasses). I’d add that we have good hopes here, despite the low strength, as I fondly remember a 1954/2010 from the previous inception of G&M’s Private Collection (WF 91).

Colour: only pale gold, which is quite astonishing.

Nose: bingo, honeys and menthol-driven herbs and teas. A perfect combo when balance is right! Smaller elements here would gather pine resins, pollens and beeswax, sesame oil, dried figs, a wee touch of amaretto, and an old empty cigar box. Lovely, but at 41% vol., it’s the palate that’ll play the justice of the peace (so to speak). Of course, no water to be added here.

Mouth: bingo again, no excessive old black tea (from an old teapot), no greenish tannins, and no bone-dry black chocolate, rather an arrival on marmalade and roasted coffee beans, then cassata, kougelhopf ice-cream, glazed chestnuts and good old rhum agricole. Some pecan pie too, and never a single weakness despite the low strength.

Finish: the resins and the marmalade are back, with a little liquorice and black chocolate. A fresh, slightly mentholy aftertaste.

Comments: let’s say it, with old whiskies when you find this much menthol and resins in any nose, that’s usually bad news w.r.t. the palate that’ll often have become too drying. Not the case at all here, this old baby still has the fire.

Words of Whisky (91)

Nose

Somewhat waxy with hints of honey, but also apricots and Demerara sugar, while a slightly more acidic note (lemon peel, orange zest) hides in the background. Surprisingly, it has a somewhat farm-y element to it, which is then further enhanced by a touch of menthol and cigar tobacco.

Taste

Quite tannic, with a good amount of menthol, and some fair notes of sweet oranges. There's also juicy plums and stewed pears, with a hint of tawny port. Somewhat herbal too, with hints of almonds and macadamia nuts.

Finish
Medium in length, with some brown sugar and pine leaves.

BOW (93)

Glenlivet 64 Years Old: A Timeless Symphony from Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection

In the hallowed halls of whisky excellence, the Glenlivet 64 Years Old from Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection is a masterpiece that transcends time. Distilled in 1954 and bottled in 2018, this extraordinary expression is a testament to the artistry of the Scottish independent bottler. Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt, Cask 1412, the Glenlivet 64 Years Old is not just a whisky; it is an opulent journey through the annals of history.

The Elegance of Age:

At 41% ABV, this venerable single malt invites enthusiasts to savor a symphony of flavors that have evolved and matured over six remarkable decades. The lower alcohol content, characteristic of some vintage whiskies, allows for a delicate exploration of the spirit's intricate layers, preserving the subtleties that define this exceptional dram.

Tasting Notes:

The Glenlivet 64 Years Old unveils itself with an aromatic dance that encapsulates the essence of time. The nose is greeted by a tapestry of dried fruits, antique oak, and a subtle wisp of leather. The influence of the Refill Sherry Butt imparts a gentle sweetness, reminiscent of caramelized figs and honey.

On the palate, the whisky unfolds with a grace befitting its age. Layers of velvety toffee, dark chocolate, and a whisper of nutmeg intertwine with the warmth of well-aged oak. The Refill Sherry Butt, having patiently cradled the spirit for decades, imparts a refined elegance, creating a palate that is both complex and harmonious.

The finish is a lingering embrace, with echoes of dried apricots, a hint of tobacco, and a delicate touch of spices. The sustained finale is a testament to the enduring quality of this rare and exquisite expression.

The Influence of Cask 1412:

Cask 1412, a Refill Sherry Butt, is the silent architect behind the Glenlivet 64 Years Old. This carefully chosen cask has played a pivotal role in shaping the character of the whisky, allowing the spirit to interact with the oak in a nuanced manner. The result is a marriage of flavors that showcases the delicate balance between the Glenlivet's inherent characteristics and the influence of the cask.

A Collector's Trophy:

Part of Gordon & MacPhail's revered Private Collection series, the Glenlivet 64 Years Old Cask 1412 is more than a whisky; it is a collector's trophy. Its rarity, combined with the meticulous craftsmanship of the independent bottler, makes it a prized possession for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike—a symbol of dedication to the art of whisky making.

In Conclusion:

The Glenlivet 64 Years Old from Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection is an embodiment of time, patience, and unparalleled craftsmanship. From the distillery's birth in 1954 to the moment it was carefully bottled in 2018, this expression captures the very essence of the Glenlivet legacy. As aficionados savor each precious drop, they partake in a journey through the ages, appreciating the timeless elegance of a whisky that has matured into a true masterpiece—a living testament to the art of Scottish whisky distillation.

Whisky Notes (91)

Whiskynotes.be

Nose: delicate but very good with lots of tiny nuances. Waxed papers, stewed pears, orange peel, with cedar wood and an ever so light smoky undertone. Lots of beehive notes (honey, pollen, beeswax). Some mentholated notes, cinnamon, tobacco leaves and whiffs of women’s powder. Really nice.

Mouth: very silky. You get herbal teas, marmalade and slightly nutty notes. Mid-palate there is a nice burst of fruity notes (apricots, plums) followed by a slightly hoppy / marihuana note. Goes on towards ginger, leather and a funny ‘battery’ feeling (placing your tongue on a 9V, you know).

Finish: medium long, with crushed peppercorns, liquorice, pine wood and mint.

A prestigious old whisky and a pleasure to try as it’s not overoaked. It does get a little herbal in the end with typical old oak aromatics. In terms of sheer balance, the Caol Ila 1968 was more to my liking. The price underscores its rare nature of course.