The latest fad to hit the cocktail market comes in the form of The Glenlivet Capsule Collection.
It is a glass-less, ice-less and stirrer-less way to enjoy a special blend of The Glenlivet. While the traditional way to enjoy a single malt whisky has usually been from a whisky glass, distillers have created the capsules as part of London Cocktail week, which is held every year in October.
The capsules have a thin, clear packaging made from seaweed which have been filled with 23ml of a limited edition blend of three flavoured whiskies. These are a citrus blend of bergamot, lemon and sherry, a spice blend, consisting of two kinds of bitters and verjus, and a wood blend, incorporating vermouth, sandalwood and cedarwood. They are designed to be put in the mouth and then gently burst to allow the full flavour of the liquid to flow across the palate.
Glenlivet distillery director, Miriam Eceolaza, explains that the capsule collection honours the legacy of the founder of Glenlivet, George Smith. She said:
“He always went against the grain, bucking tradition and doing things differently.”
The capsules have received a mixed reaction from consumers and whisky lovers, with many describing them as resembling detergent pods, and as such have given the capsules the nickname ‘Tide Pods’.
As a way to promote more sustainable and alternative packaging, the capsules are a great idea, whether the trend will prove popular remains to be seen. In the meantime, reach for your best engraved crystal whisky glass, and enjoy a tipple the old-fashioned way.
