Glengoyne debuts its oldest Scotch

Ian Macleod Distillers has released a travel retail-exclusive 53-year-old Glengoyne single malt as the brand’s oldest whisky to date.

Glengoyne 53 Years Old will launch globally with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) this month and will then roll out to other luxury travel retail operators.

CDFG president Charles Chen said: “The addition of Glengoyne to our portfolio is very exciting and we relish the global launch opportunity to share Glengoyne 53 Years Old with whisky enthusiasts in the fast-growing single malt whisky market of China duty free, especially in Hainan.

“We expect much excitement through in-store and digital showcasing and we are delighted to be the launch partner for this iconic product.”

Limited to 100 decanters, each bottle features an engraved goose to represent the migration of geese each winter.

The decanter comes with a 25ml miniature, housed in an oak display box that can be reused by removing the inner fittings.

The 53-year-old whisky has notes of red apple on the nose with hints of pecan, banana, coffee, plum, leather and pine needles. The palate offers notes of dried fruits, citrus, peach, oak, fudge and leather.

Bottled at 45.8% ABV, Glengoyne 53 Years Old has an RRP of US$33,000 per 700ml.

The release of Glengoyne 53 Years Old marks the start of a ‘highly strategic’ relationship between Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) and CDFG, which will include several launches and activations in the coming months.

IMD global travel retail director, William Ovens, added: “We have agreed an exciting plan for the launch of several products across our malt portfolio and some of these very special products will be exclusive to CDFG.”

Glengoyne recently completed its Legacy Series with a third whisky that celebrates Sir Arthur John Tedder.

The brand previously released a 50-year-old as its oldest whisky.