Chivas Brothers Unveils Rare Glenlivet Spira & Aberlour 53YO for Charity
Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Brothers has revealed two extraordinary single malts for the prestigious Distillers One of One charity auction, set for 10 October at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. The Glenlivet Spira (60YO) and Aberlour The Mouth of the Chattering Burn (53YO) represent the oldest single malts ever bottled from their respective distilleries, each created as a one-off masterpiece for collectors and whisky connoisseurs worldwide.
The Glenlivet Spira
For the 2025 Distillers One of One auction, The Glenlivet presents Spira, a unique 60-year-old single malt distilled on 1 October 1965. Matured in a single hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength, this whisky marks the distillery’s oldest expression to date. Its name, derived from the Latin word for “spiral,” draws inspiration from the swirling vapours in The Glenlivet’s stills and the River Livet’s flowing curves.
The whisky is housed in an elegant decanter, designed as a sculptural representation of movement and refinement. With an estimated hammer price of £60,000–£110,000 (US$80,500–$147,600), the entire proceeds will be donated to Distillers’ Charity initiatives.
- Full Name: The Glenlivet Spira 60-Year-Old
- Brand: The Glenlivet (Chivas Brothers / Pernod Ricard)
- Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Country/Region: Scotland / Speyside
- Distillery: The Glenlivet
- Age: 60 years
- Style: Cask Strength Single Malt
- Launch Date: October 10, 2025 (charity auction)
- Price Estimate: £60,000–£110,000
- Availability: One-off bottling, Distillers One of One Auction
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with golden highlights
- Nose: Homemade orange marmalade, sultana cake, apple, sweet liquorice, salted caramel, lemon peel, and Earl Grey tea
- Palate: Ripe pear, kiwifruit, vanilla nougat, apricot, heather honey, roasted pistachios, and warm cinnamon
- Finish: Lingering sweetness balanced with spice and nutty richness
Aberlour The Mouth of the Chattering Burn
The second Chivas Brothers donation is Aberlour The Mouth of the Chattering Burn, distilled in 1967 and aged for 53 years in a single cask. Its poetic name is drawn from the ancient Gaelic meaning of Aberlour itself.
The whisky is presented in a handblown magnum decanter, crafted by Swedish glassblower Micke Johansson with mould design by Gunnar Englund and engravings by Simon Holm. The decanter’s wooden case doubles as the original mould used to create it. Estimated to fetch £20,000–£40,000 (US$26,800–$53,700), it offers collectors both rarity and artistry in equal measure.
- Full Name: Aberlour The Mouth of the Chattering Burn 53-Year-Old
- Brand: Aberlour (Chivas Brothers / Pernod Ricard)
- Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Country/Region: Scotland / Speyside
- Distillery: Aberlour
- Age: 53 years
- Style: Single Cask Malt
- Launch Date: October 10, 2025 (charity auction)
- Price Estimate: £20,000–£40,000
- Availability: One-off magnum bottling, Distillers One of One Auction
Tasting Notes
Specific notes not provided by the brand, but expected to showcase Aberlour’s signature rich, sherried style.
Key Highlights
Both The Glenlivet Spira and Aberlour The Mouth of the Chattering Burn represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Scotch whisky. Beyond their remarkable ages and rarity, these releases stand out because:
- One-off bottlings created exclusively for charity
- Represent the oldest single malts ever released by their distilleries
- Unique artistry in presentation: Spira’s spiral-inspired decanter and Aberlour’s handblown magnum with bespoke carvings
- The entire hammer proceeds were donated to the Distillers’ Charity initiatives
Final Overview
Industry observers regard these whiskies as some of the most anticipated highlights of the 2025 auction. With only one of each in existence, they are not just whiskies but cultural artefacts—marrying history, craftsmanship, and philanthropy. Experts note that beyond their rarity, they embody the generosity and innovation that define modern Scotch whisky heritage.
FAQs
Q1. When will these whiskies be available?
Both will be auctioned on 10 October 2025 at Hopetoun House during the Distillers One of One charity auction.
Q2. Can collectors purchase them outside the auction?
No, these are one-off bottlings created exclusively for the charity event.
Q3. How will the proceeds be used?
All funds raised will go to the Distillers’ Charity to support disadvantaged young people across Scotland.
