Launched during London Cocktail Week in partnership with cocktail legend Alex Kratena, the limited-edition The Glenlivet ‘Capsule Collection’ is a range of whisky cocktails served in a seaweed-extract casing - one of nature’s most renewable resources.
Described as a "first of its kind" for a spirit brand, the edible capsules are 23ml in size, fully biodegradable and provide the "perfect flavour-explosion" experience.
The post accompanying the release read: "Enjoying them is simple, the capsules are popped in the mouth for an instant burst of flavour, and the capsule is simply swallowed. There is no need for a glass, ice or cocktail stirrer."
The Glenlivet is the first spirits brand in the world to team up with capsule designers Notpla, a sustainable packaging start-up, to create an original consumption experience.
The seaweed used grows at a speed of around 1m per day and actively contributes to de-acidifying our oceans. If discarded, the capsules biodegrade in 4-6 weeks, faster than fruit peel, which they say means "no waste at all".
Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Notpla said: “When The Glenlivet approached us to create single malt whisky cocktails we knew it was going to be an exciting partnership. At Notpla we want to create original solutions for how to serve and consume drinks, and The Glenlivet is a brand that is looking to do just the same."
To launch the ‘Capsule Collection’ The Glenlivet has partnered with Tayēr + Elementary, one of the world’s leading bars.
Co-owners of Tayēr + Elementary, Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, created three original cocktails for the capsules, which are inspired by the elements and flavours of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve: Citrus, Wood and Spice.
Alex Kratena said: “When we saw The Glenlivet Capsule Collection for the first time we knew we wanted to be involved with the launch - the cocktail capsules are unique and push the boundaries of how drinks can be served. This is something we always look to do at tayēr and so it felt like a natural fit.”
Miriam Eceolaza, director of The Glenlivet, said the ‘Capsule Collection’ embodies The Glenlivet’s new global campaign – Original By Tradition, he added: “As a brand that celebrates originality, we are always looking to break the conventions that have determined how single malt Scotch has historically been enjoyed.
"The Glenlivet Capsule Collection does exactly that, and we’re excited to see how people react when they try our glassless cocktails. Our founder, George Smith, always went against the grain, bucking tradition and doing things differently. The Glenlivet Capsule Collection continues his pioneering spirit today.”
The Glenlivet Capsule Collection will only be available at Tayēr (Tayēr + Elementary, Old Street, London) and served as an amuse-bouche on arrival throughout this year’s London Cocktail Week (4th – 13th October), the city’s celebration of perfectly mixed cocktail innovations.
Citrus:
The Citrus Capsule blends vibrant bergamot, zesty grapefruit and almond with pepper and the warmth of The Glenlivet’s Founder’s Reserve.
Ingredients:
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Lemon Distillate
Fino Sherry
Lillet
Bergamot Cordial
Wood:
The Wood Capsule combines The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve with powerful woody notes of cedar and sandalwood, as well as tannins of nutty oloroso.
Ingredients:
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Sandalwood Distillate
Tayēr Aged Aquavit
Oloroso
Rosso Vermouth
Cedarwood Cordial
Spice:
The Spice Capsule blends the rich full bodied notes of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve with base note of vetiver, dark walnut bitter, leather and tobacco.
Ingredients:
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Muyu Vetiver Gris
Oloroso Sherry
Raspberry Verjus
Black Walnut Bitters
Paychaud’s Bitters
