Sixty nine, Scotch devine by Darryl Beeson A fine glass of Scotch for $7.50 would be a fair deal in a restaurant or bar. What about a really, really special bottle of Scotch retailing for $750 the bottle? The creators of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky have announced this year's Cellar Collection Release, that being The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1969, valued at $750 a bottle. This grouping showcases only the most special creations from The Glenlivet Distillery. One new vintage is added each year. This could be an extraordinary holiday gift, even if to yourself. 1969 was an important year, holding achievements in music, film, television and science. Neil Armstrong took man's first steps on the moon. "This is one small sip for man; One large sip for mankind." The Boeing 747 launched its very first test flight. "Oh stewardess," an acceptable term back then, "I will drink whatever the captain is drinking," also acceptable back then. This was the year in which The Beatles performed their final live performance. They broke up. It was a dram shame. Rumor has it, according to NFL wife ("not for long") Heather that Sir Paul McCartney is keeping up with his share of world-wide Scotch consumption. Woodstock rewrote the rules of concert engagement in 1969. Jimi Hendrix was all along the Scotch tower. Its hard to believe that former Woodstock attendees now prefer to sip a good Scotch, neat, while reviewing their 401K statements than dancing in the mud. Janice Joplin was correct in predicting the generation's desire for a Mercedes Benz, though. This same year, only ten selected casks from the distillery were filled with newly distilled spirit and wisely set aside for a special maturation, influenced by Glenlivet's cool mountain air. After 37 years, The Cellar Collection 1969 has evolved into a unique whisky from a unique year, having deep gold color, complex layers of flavors, with a subtle balance of exotic spices, tree fruit and roasted hazelnut. Bottled at natural cask strength (higher proof) and without the use of chill-filtration, it possesses all the qualities of a definitive Speyside single malt whisky, though it may appear cloudy when served on the rocks. Master distiller Jim Cryle is responsible for hand-selecting casks that are now most exhibiting the classic characteristics required for this potential collection. The special barrels were initially placed in the historic warehouse, where the cool, damp environment is perfect for slow, precise development. "To say that 1969 was an eventful year would be an understatement," says Cryle. "In this momentous year, we placed spirit from The Glenlivet Distillery into these casks, and after nearly 40 years of gradual maturation, it is finally ready to see the light of day and the bottom of a glass." Available nationally in the fall of 2007 with a very limited release of just 800 bottles in The United States, each bottle is individually numbered and comes packaged in a solid ash frame finished out with leather and brass. More details about purchase are at 877-800-1969. For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.