Here, we have something unique. A limited release of 3,350 bottles (only 600 in the UK!) of pure mystery and intrigue. The label says "from The Glenlivet Distillery", and on release that's all anybody knew. No tasting notes. No cask details. Nothing.
Over the weeks following the release, the mystery was slowly unravelled through a variety of online sensory challenges on The Glenlivet website and Facebook pages. Master Distiller Alan Winchester also interacted with the online community, fielding questions and pointing people in the right direction...
“Flavour is a multi-sensory experience: one that combines the subtleties of sight and sensation in the mouth, in addition to taste and smell. By withholding information on the casks used to create The Glenlivet Alpha and encouraging people to use their senses, I hope they will gain a greater appreciation of its particular flavour, and expand their understanding of the great complexity and depth of our unique single malt whisky. I can’t wait to hear people’s reactions.” - Alan Winchester
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed info and/or photos just get in touch!
I was very unlucky to miss out on owning a bottle (or too tight!), but lucky enough to know someone who opened their bottle and passed along samples to their nearest and dearest. And I very much agree with a lot of the tasting notes and reviews, this bottle is similar to the Nádurra and I'd go as far to say slightly smoother and more scrumptious after allowing it to air in the glass for a while. I would suggest before giving a negative review on just the price and marketing gimmick alone that you wait until you can taste it. My two cents ;)
It has caught peoples' imaginations though. Selling out instantly everywhere in the UK
Are you having a laugh. 100 quid no cask info or age, this tops anything ardbeg could ever conjure up
