October 2, 2025 — Whisky history has been rewritten as Gordon & MacPhail unveiled the oldest Scotch whisky ever bottled: an 85‑year‑old Glenlivet. Distilled in 1940 and bottled in 2025, this extraordinary single malt matured in a single first‑fill Sherry butt, making it not only the oldest Glenlivet but also one of the rarest Scotch whiskies in existence.
According to Forbes, the release is being hailed as a “liquid time capsule” that showcases astonishing freshness despite its age.
The Oldest Scotch Whisky
The 85 YO Glenlivet was laid down in January 1940, during World War II, when whisky production was severely restricted. Remarkably, it spent 85 years in cask number 339, a European oak Sherry butt, before being bottled in 2025. Only 250 decanters have been released worldwide, each presented in a hand‑blown crystal decanter and bespoke oak case.
Notably, the whisky was bottled at ABV 49.1%, retaining remarkable strength after more than eight decades of maturation. Experts describe its profile as layered with dried fruits, rich spices, and subtle oak, balanced by a surprising vibrancy that defies its age.
Why This Glenlivet Matters
This release is not just a record‑breaker; it is a milestone in whisky heritage. Gordon & MacPhail, an independent bottler with over 125 years of history, has long been known for nurturing rare casks. However, the 85 YO Glenlivet represents the pinnacle of its legacy.
Whisky writer Joe Micallef noted that the bottling is “a testament to patience, vision, and the art of long‑term maturation”. Meanwhile, collectors and connoisseurs are already calling it one of the most significant whisky releases of the decade.
【RELEASE】
85年熟成──世界最長熟成のシングルモルト。
ゴードン&マクファイルの経験と技術が結実した「人知を超えたウイスキー」がついに登場。※正規代理店 株式会社ジャパンインポートシステム（jis@jisys.co.jp）までお問い合わせください。 pic.twitter.com/pUXClRV0mc
— Gordon & MacPhail Japan (@gm_whisky_jp) October 2, 2025
Market Value and Collectability
Although Gordon & MacPhail has not disclosed the retail price, industry analysts estimate each decanter could fetch over £100,000 ($120,000) at auction, given the rarity and historical significance. Previous ultra‑aged releases from the company, such as the 80 YO Glenlivet launched in 2021, sold for record sums.
Additionally, the 85 YO Glenlivet arrives at a time when global demand for rare Scotch whiskies is soaring. According to Knight Frank’s Luxury Investment Index, rare whisky values have risen by over 400% in the past decade, making this release both a collector’s dream and a potential investment.
A Sherry Butt Time Capsule
What makes this whisky remarkable is not just its age but its character. Despite 85 years in oak, tasters report astonishing freshness, with notes of fig, raisin, cinnamon, and polished wood. The finish is described as “endlessly long,” a hallmark of truly great Scotch.
