Glenlivet 12 Year Old Classic Golf Courses Muirfield
70cl / 40% (OUT OF STOCK)
If you like this whisky, you will also like these
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
Tasting Notes
Balsamic Vinegar, Green Apples and Honey
Sherry-Strong, Spicy Oak, Autumn Fruits and Oats
Long Finish, Dark Chocolate, Autumn Fruits and Oak
A highly sought-after, presentation-specific bottling commemorating one of Scotland's legendary golf courses.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | The Glenlivet / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Not stated / Bottled 1980s–1990s |
| ABV & Size(s) | Varies (40% or 43%) / 75cl (typical) |
| Cask / Treatment | American and European Oak Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Standard filtered product) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition (Number not stated) for the series |
| Intended channel | Specialist Gift Retail (Tourist, Golf, and Collector Markets) |
| Packaging | Special presentation box/tin featuring the Muirfield golf course |
| Notes on discrepancies | ABV varies between 40% (UK/EU standard) and 43% (US export proof), significantly affecting desirability. |
Historical Context
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Classic Golf Courses series was a major marketing initiative launched in the 1980s and continuing into the 1990s. The series was specifically designed to capture the high-end tourist and luxury gifting market, capitalising on the global prestige of Scottish single malt and the country's status as the Home of Golf.
The intrinsic value of this bottling is derived from the presentation packaging, not the liquid itself, which is the standard 12 Year Old core expression of the era. The exclusive nature of the presentation tin, which features a specific picture and history of the renowned Muirfield golf course, is the primary driver of collector interest. Muirfield is one of the courses featured in the series, alongside others such as St Andrews, Turnberry, and Royal Dornoch. For collectors, the challenge lies in completing the entire series of course-specific presentations, which drives the premium price for individual, uncompromised boxes.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The liquid within is the standard Glenlivet 12 Year Old, matured in American and European oak casks. This core liquid is celebrated for its reliable consistency: a rich, fruity profile with notes of toasted oak, nuts, and spices.
The most important technical variant is the ABV. While the majority of UK/EU domestic releases were bottled at 40% ABV, the version destined for the high-end US market was often bottled at 43% ABV. The 43% variant, often in the 75cl volume, is notably more desirable for enthusiasts, as the higher proof retains more of the original flavour concentration, offering a richer and more balanced experience.
Documented variants
- Muirfield Edition, 75cl, 43% ABV (US Export).
- Muirfield Edition, 70cl, 40% ABV (UK/EU).
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 75cl | US Export/Duty Free | Special presentation tin | High (Preferred ABV) |
| 40% | 70cl/75cl | UK/EU Retail | Special presentation tin | Moderate/High (Core Collectible) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication relies entirely on the integrity of the special presentation box or tin. The box must be in excellent, near-mint condition, as any significant damage (dents, scratches, or moisture marks) causes an immediate and substantial reduction in market value. The label itself should clearly designate the course name, Muirfield. While the bottle fill level (HS or better) is necessary, the condition of the external packaging is the highest priority for this series.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 12 Year Old age statement guarantees the liquid's minimum age. The standard bottling strengths of 40% or 43% ABV indicate that the liquid was chill-filtered for clarity and stability, typical practice for high-volume age-stated single malts of this era.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is characteristic of the classic Glenlivet style: smooth, fruity, and highly accessible.
Nose: Refreshing aroma of ripe fruits (peach, pear, apple), combined with delicate floral notes of heather and honeysuckle. Sweetness is provided by soft vanilla and malted barley, with a light citrus zest.
Palate: Smooth and medium-bodied. Flavours of mellow honey, creamy vanilla, and green apple are prominent. A gentle spice provides warmth, alongside a malty richness.
Finish: Smooth and clean, with lingering notes of honeyed sweetness, apple, and a soft oak influence. The texture is noted as rich and smoothly textured.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Pricing is stable and driven by collector desire to complete the full series, often commanding a significant premium over the standard Glenlivet 12 of the same era.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. Estimated around $\pounds 45 - \pounds 60$ during the mid-1990s.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): $\pounds 150.00$ – $\pounds 250.00$.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): $\pounds 55.00$ – $\pounds 110.00$.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (Hammer) | 16/04/2024 | 75cl (St Andrews/Royal Troon) | 55.00 | Typical recent auction price for a standard course tin |
| Auction (Hammer) | 28/07/2019 | 75cl, Muirfield | 110.00 | Higher, confirmed auction price for this edition |
| Retail (Estimated) | Current | 75cl, 43% ABV (Import) | 200.00 | Specialist retail premium on the preferred high-proof format |
Pricing stratification: Hammer prices are typically low (around $\pounds 55$) for standard tins, but can double for more competitive bids or rarer courses. The highest value is secured by the integrity of the external presentation tin.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate. Sourcing requires focusing on the presentation element via auction channels.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside distillery, is famous for its smooth, fruity, and highly accessible malt. It is renowned for its early, pioneering role in establishing the single malt category globally. The distillery is owned by Pernod Ricard.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Focus on the Muirfield presentation tin, preferably securing the 43% ABV, 75cl variant for maximum quality.
Red flags to avoid
Any damage to the presentation tin is a major detractor from collector value. Ensure the bottle is not a standard 12 Year Old (SOR) placed in a separate tin.
Condition thresholds
The presentation box must be near-mint. High Shoulder (HS) fill level minimum.
Margin/velocity expectations
Moderate velocity, good margin potential achievable by acquiring low at auction and selling high based on presentation condition.
