Celebrating Whisky Excellence: The Rise of 23rd Street and the Timeless Glenlivet

The world of whisky is expansive and ever-evolving, with new expressions and enriching stories that breathe life into every sip. Two distinct distilleries epitomize this journey: 23rd Street Distillery from South Australia and the legendary Glenlivet from Scotland. As we explore these two iconic brands, we witness a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that shapes the whisky landscape today.

Exploring the finest expressions of whisky from around the globe.

23rd Street Distillery: Local Pride and Global Recognition

Nestled in the heart of South Australia, the 23rd Street Distillery is making waves in the spirits industry, recently garnering accolades at the Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024. The distillery has emerged victorious, not just once, but twice, securing gold medals for its flagship Australian Whisky in the World Whisky Super Premium category and the Australian Single Malt Whisky in the Ultra Premium class.

Chris Illman, one of the masterminds behind this achievement, passionately stated,

“With 95 percent of whisky sold in Australia being imported, we set out to disrupt the category by creating a whisky that Australians could take real pride in.”
This vision is reflected in the whisky’s exceptional quality and the distinct narrative of Australian terroir.

Tasting Notes That Dazzle

The offerings from 23rd Street indulge the senses with complex tasting notes:

• 23rd Street Australian Whisky: A delightful harmony of citrus and orange blossom lingers on the nose, complemented by caramelized fruit aromas. The palate unfolds layers of sweet oils, biscuity malt, and dark chocolate spice, concluding with a creamy finish that beckons for another sip.
• 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky: This expression showcases delicate toffee and lifted fruit notes alongside a whisper of vanillin oak. A lightly sweet palate enriched by citrus and butterscotch oak makes for an exquisite experience.

Award-winning 23rd Street Distillery location.

A Commitment to Quality

Under the guidance of experience and expertise, master distiller Paul Burnett emphasizes that every drop of whisky produced is a labor of love. His distillation philosophy prioritizes aroma and flavor, focusing on quality local ingredients. As he succinctly puts it, “The distillation cuts are done purely on aroma and flavor.” With such meticulous craftsmanship, it’s no surprise that 23rd Street has set new benchmarks in the industry since its inception in 2016.

Glenlivet: The Legacy of a Smuggler’s Spirit

As we journey over to Moray, Scotland, we unravel the rich heritage of Glenlivet, a single malt that celebrates its 200th anniversary. This storied distillery was born in a time fraught with illicit distilling, driven by the Excise Act of 1823, which initially sought to regulate whisky production but only fueled the burgeoning black market.

Over the years, Glenlivet transitioned from a humble smuggler’s whisky into a global giant, with Chivas Brothers steering its success. Today, it boasts an impressive distribution, moving over 20 million bottles annually. It’s a testament to how heritage can marry innovation and still resonate with modern whisky enthusiasts.

Glenlivet’s Enduring Allure

Glenlivet’s connection to its Scottish roots is palpable. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cairngorms, the distillery has held its ground for over two centuries, still featuring the iconic lantern-shaped stills designed by its founder, George Smith. These stills produce a floral, smooth spirit that has won the hearts of many, including literary giants like Charles Dickens.

The iconic Glenlivet Distillery, rich with tradition.

Smith’s legacy continues to thrive, but not without challenges. The distillery faced legal battles over the rights to its name—fighting against over 20 imitators. Today, Glenlivet stands as the archetypal Speyside whisky, a name synonymous with quality and tradition in the world of spirits.

Innovations Amid Tradition

In recent years, Glenlivet has adapted to the shifting landscape of consumer preferences, with an increasing demand for varied flavors and finishes.
Kevin Balmforth, the distillery’s dedicated cask master, notes:

“Back then, we had a handful of whiskies in our portfolio—12 Year Old, 18 Year Old. Now, the market is asking for new flavors, new finishes: rum finish, port finish, rare cask types…”
To this end, Balmforth is not just maintaining tradition; he’s exploring exciting new territories, experimenting with Malbec wine casks and cachaca casks.

Celebratory gathering at Glenlivet Distillery for the 200th anniversary.

One of the highlights of their recent events was the unveiling of the 55 Year Old Eternal Collection First Edition, the oldest official bottling ever produced by Glenlivet, encased in a stunning rose-gold decanter. Limited to just 100 bottles, this exquisite release symbolizes the distillery’s commitment to luxury.

Concluding Thoughts: The Journey Ahead

As we stand at the intersection of innovation and tradition, both 23rd Street and Glenlivet provide profound insights into what defines excellence in whisky today. While Glenlivet epitomizes a time-honored tradition with immense history, 23rd Street represents the new wave of distillation that emphasizes local pride and modern techniques. Each distillery embodies its locality, bridging tradition with the evolving preferences of whisky aficionados.

In a world where the whisky landscape is continually shifting, one thing is certain: whether you’re sipping an aged Glenlivet or the latest release from 23rd Street, you are partaking in a rich story of ingenuity, heritage, and the timeless pursuit of excellence. Each glass invites you to raise a toast to the flavors of life and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

A selection of whisky, embodying diverse flavors and traditions.

Explore More

To delve deeper into the world of fine spirits, consider exploring the incredible offerings from 23rd Street Distillery and Glenlivet. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the right whisky is waiting for you.

Dive into the latest releases and updates from these remarkable distilleries by visiting their respective websites: 23rd Street Distillery and Glenlivet.