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If you’re looking for an updated Glenlivet price guide, this article will detail things for you. Scotch Whisky can be a polarizing thing. It has a reputation for having a strong flavor that only the most mature palate can enjoy.
There are a lot of confusing words associated with Scotch that isn’t exactly welcoming to a newcomer.
You might walk up to a conversation in a Scotch-focused bar that goes something like this: “This is fantastic. This single malt is so strong and peaty that I can only sip it.” “That’s on account of this one being triple matured in rare sherry butt casks.”
Even though all of those words are meaningful and fun to say, they might scare away the sheepish younger future lover of Scotch. Don’t be afraid young future Scotch lover! Scotch is nothing to be afraid of.
There are many flavors, prices, and ways to enjoy Scotch. To get your Scotch career off on the right foot, there’s none better than Glenlivet Scotch Whisky.
Glenlivet Scotch Whisky is the top-selling single malt Scotch Whisky in the United States and second in the world.
A Brief History of Glenlivet Whisky
Glenlivet Whisky like other Scotch Whisky is made in Scotland. Glenlivet has unofficially been around since the early 1800s and officially since 1824.
Why the discrepancy? The production of Scotch Whisky in Glenlivet parish had been going on for years before anyone was licensed to sell their spirits. They were in a secluded part of Scotland with access to spring water.
In 1824 George Smith, the founder of Glenlivet, became the first legal distiller in the area. The other illegal Scotch Whisky makers weren’t too happy with George, but he wasn’t to be stopped.
Glenlivet continued to grow in popularity and reputation until his death in 1871. His son John Gordon Smith took over the business. Glenlivet’s popularity only continued to grow as they moved into the next century and beyond.
Since World War Two, the company has gone through a few mergers and changes in ownership. Glenlivet is currently under the umbrella of Pernod Ricard.
Pernod Ricard is a French beverage company that also produces brands like Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Vodka, Beefeater Gin, and others.
Glenlivet Scotch Whisky is considered a single malt Scotch Speyside whisky. What does that mean exactly? Let’s start with the definition of single malt. Single malt means that the whisky is made at one distillery using a pot still, and only water and malted barley.
Speyside refers to the region in Scotland where the Scotch Whisky comes from. The Speyside region is in the region near the River Spey. The other recognized Scotch Whisky regions are Lowland, Highland, Campbeltown, and Islay.
The process of making Glenlivet Scotch Whisky starts by heating the aforementioned water, malted barley, and yeast before fermenting in wooden washbacks. Washbacks are big wooden containers.
Once fermented, the liquid is distilled twice, aged in some type of oak cask for many years, and then bottled. Glenlivet Scotch Whisky is considered a premium single malt Scotch whisky.
While some Scotch whisky can have a strong smoky peaty flavor, Glenlivet is more known for its approachable flavor.
Glenlivet Price, Variations & Sizes
Not only is Glenlivet Whisky high quality and popular, but they also produce an extensive line of different varieties.
The price of the particular bottle of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky will depend on the number of years aged, what the Scotch Whisky has been aged in, and the number of bottles produced.
The Glenlivet collection can be divided up into the Heritage Collection, Travel Retail, and Distillery Exclusives.
| Name | Proof | Size | Average Price |
| The Glenlivet 12 Year | 80 | 750 ml | From $39.99 |
| 1.75 L | From $84.99 | ||
| The Glenlivet 15 Year | 80 | 750 ml | From $47.99 |
| The Glenlivet 18 Year | 80 | 750 ml | From $134.99 |
| The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve | 80 | 750 ml | From $31.99 |
| The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve | 80 | 750 ml | From $31.99 |
| 1.75 L | From $56.99 | ||
| The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve | 80 | 750 ml | From $51.99 |
| The Glenlivet 12 Year Illicit Still | 96 | 750 ml | From $54.99 |
| The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso | 121.4 | 750 ml | From $94.99 |
| The Glenlivet Winchester Collection 1967 | 96 | 750 ml | From $25,000.00 |
| The Glenlivet Distiller’s Reserve | 80 | 750 ml | From $199.99 |
| The Glenlivet White Oak Reserve | 80 | 750 ml | From $199.99 |
| The Glenlivet Rare Cask | 80 | 750 ml | From $199.99 |
- The Glenlivet Heritage Collection are the bottles you’d most likely see out in the wild–with a few exceptions. They range from affordable to very expensive.
- The Glenlivet Travel Retail is the Glenlivet line that can only be purchased in travel outlets, primarily airports.
- The Glenlivet product line also offers some exclusive bottles only available straight from the distillery. This includes the Cellar Collection, Single Cask Sherry Butt, Single Cask Barrel, and Single Cask Butt collections. These are available in a wide range of sizes, varieties, and prices. Why not take a trip to Speyside to check them out?
Glenlivet Whisky Alternatives and Comparisons
Glenlivet Scotch Whisky is one of the oldest and most well-respected. That being said, there are still some other alternatives–some of which are even from the same region of Speyside.
Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky is another high-quality Speyside Scotch Whisky. Glenfiddich similarly has a large range of offerings that go from high-end but affordable to very expensive.
It also happens to be the best-selling single malt whisky in the world.
A bottle of Macallan Scotch Whisky is labeled as a Highland Scotch Whisky but it’s actually a Speyside. If you look at the Scotch whisky map, Speyside is surrounded by the Highland region.
The difference between Macallan and Glenlivet will come down to the taste and price. Macallan is known for having a more pronounced rich flavor, while Glenlivet has a lighter touch. Macallan is also much pricier than Glenlivet.
The 12 Year Scotch is about double the price and it gets more extreme as you move up the ladder.
How to Drink Glenlivet Whisky
Glenlivet is a premium Scotch whisky and was made to be imbibed neat or with some water or ice. It will also hold up nicely when mixed with a single mixer, like club soda or ginger ale over ice.
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, Glenlivet Scotch Whisky can easily plus up any Scotch-based cocktail. Some popular Scotch cocktails are the Rusty Nail, Highball, or a Blood & Sand.
Due to its high alcohol content, Glenlivet can be stored for many years without sacrificing any quality. Just try to keep it in a cool dark place.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Glenlivet Whisky whisky or scotch?
Yes, and yes! Glenlivet Scotch Whisky is both. Whisky or Whiskey (spelling is determined by where the spirit is produced) is the overarching term for this delicious brown liquor.
There are sub-categories of whisky like Scotch whisky and bourbon. The designation will be determined by where and how the whisky is made.
2. Is Glenlivet a bourbon?
No, Glenlivet isn’t bourbon. Both bourbon and Scotch whisky are considered whisky but they are not the same. Scotch whisky comes from Scotland and bourbon comes from a specific region in the United States. Bourbon tends to have a sweeter taste than Glenlivet.
3. Is Glenlivet Whisky gluten free?
Yes, Glenlivet is gluten free. Generally, spirits like Scotch whisky are gluten free unless flavorings are added after distillation. That does not happen with Glenlivet Scotch Whisky.
It should also be mentioned that even though Glenlivet is made with malted barley the distillation process removes all gluten from the final product.
4. Is Glenlivet Whisky vegan?
Yes indeed, Glenlivet Whisky is vegan. No animal products were used as an ingredient or in the process of making Glenlivet.
5. What cocktails can I make with Glenlivet Whisky?
Mamie Taylor
- 2 oz Glenlivet Scotch Whisky
- 1 Tablespoon of Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 4-6 oz Ginger Ale
- 1 Lime Wedge (for Garnish)
- Combine the Glenlivet and lime juice in an ice-filled highball glass.
- Add Ginger Ale, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve.
Blood and Sand
- ¾ oz Glenlivet Scotch Whisky
- ¾ oz Cherry Brandy
- ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
- ¾ oz Orange Juice
- 1 Orange Peel (for Garnish)
- Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake, strain, garnish and serve.
Scotch Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Glenlivet Scotch Whisky
- 1 Tsp Demerara or Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters
- 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters
- 1 Orange Zest (for Garnish)
- Combine liquid components and stir with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with the orange peel.
Interesting Facts & Myths
Two famous fictional Rons are lovers of Scotch. That would be Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation and Ron Burgundy from Anchorman. Ron Burgundy even ordered Glenlivet in the film while out at a cocktail bar.
