The Glenlivet Fusion Cask Rum & Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection
The Glenlivet Fusion Cask Rum & Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection is a 40% ABV (80 proof) single malt Scotch from Speyside, launched in February 2024 as part of The Glenlivet's 200th-anniversary celebrations (US RRP $95.99). The "category-first innovation" is in the wood: bespoke "fusion casks" built by expert coopers who dismantled first-fill rum barrels and first-fill bourbon barrels, then reassembled them into single casks — fusing luscious fruit and caramel-toffee character into one maturation. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — US expression
- Size: 750mL
- Maturation: bespoke fusion casks — first-fill rum + first-fill bourbon barrels, dismantled and reassembled
- Origin: The Glenlivet Distillery, Speyside, Scotland (Chivas Brothers / Pernod Ricard)
- Release: February 2024, part of the 200th-anniversary celebrations
- Official notes: orange, vanilla custard, caramel, coconut, lemon zest; apricot, peach, toffee-banana, cinnamon
Two Casks, Fused Into One
Cask innovation is Glenlivet's anniversary tradition, and the Fusion Cask might be the most literal yet: instead of finishing in rum casks OR bourbon casks, the cooperage takes both, breaks them down, and rebuilds them as one hybrid barrel — a rum-and-bourbon fusion cask that marries tropical fruit character with American oak's caramel-toffee depth. "This category-first innovation continues our commitment and 200-year legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky," said The Glenlivet's cask expert Kevin Balmforth. Explore more Scotch whisky and everything from The Glenlivet.
Tasting Notes
The brand's official notes describe bright, vibrant gold color; aromas of orange, vanilla custard, caramel, coconut, and lemon zest; a palate of juicy apricot and peach, fresh apples, toffee-covered bananas, and subtle cinnamon spice; and a sweet, smooth finish with enduring notes of orange.
How to Enjoy
Drink it neat or with a splash of water to open the fruit — the rum-cask tropical notes reward a little dilution. It also works in a highball: the caramel-toffee backbone holds up to soda and ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fusion cask?
A bespoke barrel created by dismantling first-fill rum and first-fill bourbon barrels, then reassembling them into one cask — combining both characters in a single maturation.
How old is the Fusion Cask Selection?
No age statement is given.
What is the ABV?
The US expression is 40% ABV (80 proof); a 43% market variant exists elsewhere — check the bottle.
When was it released?
February 2024 in the US, as part of The Glenlivet's 200th-anniversary celebrations.
Experience the rum-and-bourbon fusion for yourself — order The Glenlivet Fusion Cask online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.