House of Hazelwood Plans to Release World’s First 100-Year-Old Grain Whisky by 2065
House of Hazelwood, a premium whisky brand under William Grant & Sons, has unveiled an ambitious plan to release the world’s first 100-year-old grain whisky, named One For The Next, by 2065. This project not only pushes the boundaries of whisky aging but also aims to redefine luxury whisky values, drawing inspiration from the unique music release strategy of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.
With the rare whisky market booming, major brands have been competing to release ultra-aged expressions, from Gordon & MacPhail’s 70-year-old Mortlach to Macallan’s 84-year-old release. House of Hazelwood’s plan involves phased releases of 60-, 70-, 80-, 90-, and 100-year-old whiskies, with the first 60-year-old single grain whisky already available in a limited edition of 25 bottles.
Brand director Jonathan Gibson emphasized that the project seeks to counter the short-term speculation trend in the whisky market, encouraging collectors to adopt a multi-generational perspective. Inspired by Wu-Tang Clan’s album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin—which had a single physical copy restricted from commercial release for 88 years—Gibson aims to create value not for the present but for the future.
Technically, aging whisky for a century poses two major challenges—alcohol content potentially dropping below the legal 40% threshold and excessive oak influence. To address this, the 60-year-old spirit has been transferred to custom European oak casks with thick staves to slow evaporation, while older wood minimizes additional flavor extraction. These casks are stored in the underground warehouse of Dufftown’s Convalmore distillery, where cool, dark conditions favor long-term maturation.
Despite volatility in the luxury whisky market, House of Hazelwood remains committed to its vision, fostering deep connections with collectors, including invitations to visit Scotland and meet the Gordon family. The brand’s niche offerings—such as rare old grain and blended whiskies—appeal to seasoned collectors seeking uniqueness.
The first 60-year-old release displays remarkable vibrancy—floral notes with creamy popcorn, silky texture, blueberry fruitiness, and Portuguese custard tart sweetness, culminating in a long, floral finish. The success of this century-spanning project hinges on meticulous care over the next 40 years and market acceptance.
2025-06-17
Source- https-//www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/could-this-become-the-worlds-first-100-year-old-grain-whisky/