The Glenlivet has just launched Caribbean Reserve – can you describe the whisky and what makes it different? 

The Glenlivet has a history of breaking traditions, and Caribbean Reserve is a fantastic example of that. This bold and tropical spirit combines the heritage of Scotch whisky with the flavour and soul of the Caribbean. 

To make the Caribbean Reserve, the team experimented with finishing a portion of The Glenlivet in barrels that previously held Caribbean rum. The result is a unique dark amber whisky that suggests rich caramel toffee notes on the palate, sweet notes of pear and red apple on the nose with a tropical twist of ripe bananas in syrup, and a well-balanced and exceptionally silky finish.

What differences does ageing whisky in rum casks make to the liquid? 

In The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, we found that it elevated flavour and beautifully complemented the wonderful tropical aromas that are recognisable in all whiskies from The Glenlivet distillery. The rum casks provide an extra explosion of flavour; the banana flavours become sweet over-ripe bananas, and the pineapple transforms into grilled pineapple, the apple becomes toffee apple. You can still recognise the DNA of The Glenlivet, but the overall flavour profile is heightened. 

How do you like to drink The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve? 

Like all whisky, it depends on the occasion, but The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve offers you a chance to broaden the scope of how it can be enjoyed. Whether you like a straight-up dram over ice or a refreshing long tipple, this bold and tropical expression is versatile and can be enjoyed all year long. 

The Caribbean Cooler is one of our key serves, and it is a delicious tropical drink: you’ve got the Caribbean Reserve, you’ve got pineapple juice, you’ve got Angostura bitters, and you’ve got peach soda. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a longer drink to serve at a summer BBQ or party. I encourage people to have fun with this whisky and enjoy it their own way. There is no right or wrong, as long as people drink Caribbean Reserve in their own way, that makes me happy.

How did you get into whisky and working with The Glenlivet?

I was a bartender for seven or eight years and began my career in Glasgow. During that time, I developed a love and passion for whisky. While working in Scotland, I was often told there were only two ways to drink whisky; neat or wrong. I wanted to challenge that way of thinking as I loved how versatile and dynamic the liquid could be. 

I have been a brand ambassador at Pernod Ricard for three and a half years, and solely supporting the whisky portfolio for the past two years. I have found my true home, and enjoy every day and the new opportunities and challenges it brings. I am passionate about showing people new ways to enjoy whisky – The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve allows us to break drinking traditions and encourage people to try whisky in summer cocktails. 

Can you recommend a late-summer Glenlivet cocktail to enjoy in the sun? 

This year, The Glenlivet partnered with the award-winning South London Sauce Company to create a limited-edition Smokin’ Hot Pistols sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to that late-summer BBQ, but it also packs a punch when used in a cocktail. I created The Glenlivet Caribbean Fire, which blends the tropical whisky perfectly with the hot sauce. To make the cocktail, you’ll need: 

50ml The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve

25ml pineapple juice

2 tsp Smokin’ Hot Pistols (can add more, depending on heat preference)

15ml lime juice

10ml agave nectar

Top with pink grapefruit soda 

Shake all ingredients (apart from the pink grapefruit soda) and strain into a tall glass over cubed ice. Top with the pink grapefruit soda and stir lightly. You can add more ice if required and then garnish with pineapple leaves, a pineapple wedge and a thin slice of red chilli.

Do you have any favourite bars in the UK? What makes them special? 

There are so many I could name. Off the top of my head, Coupette in Bethnal Green, London is a great place; 10 Tib Lane in Manchester; Bramble in Edinburgh is a classic; Hey Palu, also in Edinburgh; they are all leaders of mixology and are constantly looking for an original take on a traditional drink. 

The Glenlivet has always been known for pushing boundaries. How does the brand continue to innovate? 

Yes, pushing boundaries is part of our DNA. The Glenlivet is about breaking traditions, and we try to incorporate that into everything we do. Whether that’s creating a new whisky, coming up with new ways whisky can be drunk, or how we celebrate the liquid. Caribbean Reserve itself is a really good example of pushing boundaries, and the creation of the Smokin’ Hot Pistols sauce is an innovation I’ve never seen in the whisky category before. 

We aim to move forward continually and develop the conversation around whisky. It’s no longer a drink to only be enjoyed neat on a cold winter’s evening in an armchair by the fire. We are the reverse of that, you can enjoy whisky whichever way you want to. And I think that, in itself, is us pushing boundaries. 

So, what’s next for The Glenlivet? 

We have lots of exciting things in the pipeline. This October, we’ll be bringing our “Dramming in the Dark” experience to Edinburgh Cocktail Week. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the collision of flavour, lighting and sound with The Glenlivet. 

theglenlivet.com