Founded in 1824, The Glenlivet is the oldest legal distillery in the Glenlivet parish. After spending years perfecting their single malt whisky, they are now offering a brand new expression, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish. To coincide with the release, the distillery partnered with the London-based New Craftsmen and modern designer-craftsman Sebastian Cox to create a very special drinks trolley.
“This is the second year that we have partnered with The New Craftsmen—last year we commissioned designer-maker Gareth Neal to create The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair,” says Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director of The Glenlivet. “This year…the partnership has resulted in two special items that are naturally crafted yet surprising and unique—both timeless originals.”
Using oak staves from retired casks and leather that has been oak-tanned by hand, Cox’s Glenlivet Nàdurra Drinks Trolley is definitely beautiful. The design includes woven wood cupboard panel doors, wheels that still carry the scent of whisky casks and a lovely hand-blown glass vessel that has been crafted by artist Michael Ruh. Made to hold ice and water, the glass design features a copper spinner and floating wood shavings.
“Three bespoke rests…showcase the three expressions in the Nàdurra range with each one’s unique cask finish brought to life: The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish rests upon 3,000-year-old Peated Oak, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso is ‘cupped’ in warm hued Cherry wood, while The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection rests upon golden Medullary flecked American White Oak.”
Cox also created a Dram Tray, which is designed to hold two glasses and a bottle of whisky, which can be used separately from the trolley. Made with peated oak, the tray integrates perfectly into the drinks trolley by sliding inside the design’s main body.
“The opportunity to work on an item that embodies The Glenlivet Nàdurra range particularly resonated with me following time spent with the craftsmen at the distillery,” says Cox. “The importance and influence of wood on the whisky was fascinating to me and I took inspiration from this in creating both the Trolley and the Tray. I am pleased to present two unique handmade items that embrace the complexities and sensual attributes of nature in a truly elegant form and are truly representative of the Nàdurra range and hope they will inspire people to relish the ritual of enjoying a dram.”
The Nàdurra (which means “natural” in Gaelic) trolley will be on display for a short time in the New Craftsmen’s Mayfair store and then sent to The Glenlivet Distillery in Scotland. If you want one for yourself, you have to register to be a Guardian of The Glenlivet. A limited number of made-to-order trolleys will be available to members only for £4,200 (around $6,500). Members can also purchase the Dram Tray for £120 ($185) from The New Craftsmen.
