Overview: Chivas Brothers-owned The Glenlivet has launched its second Beyond Speyside whisky, inspired by France’s Provence region. The 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky features a unique cask finish and debuted at an immersive pop-up in New York on 17 September.
The Full Story
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition was finished in three types of French casks: Château Sainte Marguerite white wine casks, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes casks. The launch is being supported by an immersive pop-up titled Le Café du Whisky. Bringing a ‘Wee Taste of Provence’ to select markets, the brand said the experience invites guests to explore the new release through the sights, sounds, flavours, and energy that define Provence. Le Café du Whisky pop-up debuted in New York last week (17 September) in collaboration with Michelle Palazzo of Frenchette Bakery.
The pastry chef reimagined the classic French pastry, Tarte aux Pêches, through a ‘Provençal and Scottish lens’. It featured a vanilla bean custard infused with the Provence Edition and topped with a rosette of juicy peaches. Kristen Colonna, vice-president of marketing for The Glenlivet, added: “From its distinctive cask finishing to the immersive activations and culinary partnerships surrounding the launch, every element of this expression reflects the care, creativity, and expertise that define The Glenlivet.”
Production & Profile
The rare cru classé casks from Château Sainte Marguerite in Provence are said to add bright citrus and elegant floral notes to the whisky. Rivesaltes casks then bring nuttiness and warming spices to the profile, while Sauternes casks deliver rich marmalade and crème brûlée flavours. Additional notes of white peach, nectar and pear add a ‘sun-ripened’ character to the distillery’s signature Speyside style.
The expression is recommended in serves such as a signature Provençal Spritz, which showcases the whisky’s orchard fruit and citrus notes while highlighting its versatility. Kevin Balmforth, the Glenlivet cask master, said: “With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected. The challenge was introducing new layers of flavour inspired by Provence while remaining unmistakably The Glenlivet.”
Brand & Industry History
Chivas Brothers-owned The Glenlivet has released its second Beyond Speyside whisky, inspired by France’s Provence region. The brand kicked off the Beyond Speyside series last year with a single malt finished in a Jamaican rum cask. The series looks to capture the essence of various international destinations. The Glenlivet also claimed 17 medals at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 blind tasting competition.
What This Means
By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, the brand has created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity, capturing the vibrancy and elegance that inspired this release.
Consumer Takeaway
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition retails in select global markets for US$54.99 and has an ABV of 40%. Its packaging is inspired by the landscapes and elegance of Provence, with lavender hues, golden tones and other design details that evoke the region’s vineyards and fields.
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