In a momentous celebration of heritage and craftsmanship, Sola Oke, Managing Director at Pernod Ricard, recently reflected on the extraordinary experience of marking The Glenlivet’s 200th anniversary at the historic Speyside distillery. Oke, along with select customers from South Africa, had the privilege of immersing themselves in the rich legacy of The Glenlivet and other distinguished brands from the Chivas Brothers portfolio.
Speaking on the occasion, Oke emphasized the importance of giving customers an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind these iconic brands. “To see is to understand,” he said, noting that the visit to the distillery deepened their appreciation for the meticulous process involved in creating each bottle that is enjoyed across Africa and the world. The Glenlivet, renowned globally for its excellence, has long been a benchmark in the whisky industry, and this milestone event underscored its standing.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the highly anticipated launch of the oldest and most ambitious expression from The Glenlivet—The Eternal Collection, First Edition: 55-Year-Old. This rare masterpiece, crafted in collaboration with renowned computational architect Michael Hansmeyer, represents a pinnacle of whisky-making, combining over half a century of expertise with cutting-edge design. The Glenlivet 55-Year-Old Eternal Collection is a limited-edition creation that not only showcases the finest in whisky craftsmanship but also pushes the boundaries of design and innovation.
Oke described the experience as “even more special” with the unveiling of this exquisite whisky, which celebrates excellence in every facet—from its taste to its stunning presentation. The Eternal Collection is a testament to The Glenlivet’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of whisky-making, bringing together the old-world art of distilling with futuristic architectural design.
Raising a toast to the future, Oke concluded with a sentiment of optimism: “Here’s to The Glenlivet and the next 200 years!” The event marked not just a celebration of a storied past, but also a vision for the next chapter in the brand’s illustrious history, as it continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in whisky.
