Bell's 5-year-old "Glenlivet" Pure Malt Scotch Whisky. 1960s/1971. Italy.

Bell's 5-year-old "Glenlivet" Pure Malt Scotch Light Whisky. 1960s/1971. Italy market.

Condition: Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary. Slight damage to front label please see photo's.
Lost Distillery/Brand: Discontinued blend.
Fill level: In the neck.

Whisky still produced: No.
Category: Malt Blend. 
Distillery: Still producing but, not this whisky.
Bottler: Arthur Bell & Sons
Bottling serie: Pure Malt Light.
Bottling Year: 1960s-1971
Stated Age: 5 years old.
Casktype: Glenlivet. 
Strength: 40.0 % Vol./Gradi.
Size: 750 ml
Colouring: Unknown.
Chill-filtered: Unknown.
Bottle code: Back label 44872-YA.
Country Origin: Scotland.
Market: Italy.

The whisky is crafted by Bell's, a renowned Scottish distillery with a long-standing tradition of producing exceptional Scotch whiskies. The 5-year-old blended malt Scotch Whisky is part of their exclusive range, created for those who appreciate the finer things in life and seek a luxurious whisky experience. Discover the charm of the 1960s Scotch Whisky with Bell's 5-year-old "Glenlivet" Pure Malt Scotch Whisky, a rare gem bottled by Arthur Bell & Sons. This collector's whisky bottle, crafted for the Italian market, showcases a discontinued whisky blend that has become a sought-after treasure among enthusiasts. With a fill level in the neck and a strength of 40.0% Vol., this vintage delight offers a taste of history, though it does show slight damage to the front label—perfect for collectors who appreciate authenticity. Indulge in the legacy of Bell's Glenlivet Whisky, a light malt blend that reflects the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of whisky history!

Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Amber.

Distillery History: 

Perth-based Arthur Bell began vatting malt whiskies together to provide greater consistency from 1851, going on to combine malts and grains to create his own blended Scotch. In 1895 the ‘Extra Special’ trademark was registered, and was first used alongside Bell’s name in 1904. This was effectively Bell’s first branded blend, and the ‘Extra Special’ tag was used until the introduction of the Bell’s Original variant in 2008. 1896 saw the registration of Arthur Bell’s signature, which still adorns every bottle, along with the slogan ‘Afore ye go,’ which was registered in 1921 and first used four years later.

By 1970 Bell’s was Scotland’s leading blended Scotch, and in 1978 it became the best-selling blended Scotch in the UK, having seen sales grow in value by some 800% between 1970 and 1979, though it did briefly lose its number one status to The Famous Grouse in 1980.

Remarkably, by that year Bell’s could boast around 35% of the market share for standard blended Scotch in Britain. During the decade from 1970, output from Bell’s distilleries rose from 4.75 million litres per annum to 13.44 million litres, partly due to the construction of Pittyvaich distillery in Dufftown during 1974. Much of the credit for Bell’s dramatic growth is usually given to Arthur Bell & Sons’ dynamic chairman and chief executive Raymond Miguel, who left the company in the wake of its takeover by Guinness in 1985.
One major change to the actual Bell’s blend took place in 1994, when an 8-year-old age statement was added. This was a time when there was a surplus of mature Scotch whisky, so the move to give a perception of additional quality and kudos was understandable.
With mature whisky in short supply by 2008, the age statement was removed and the blend rebranded as Bell’s Original, with owner Diageo claiming that the revamped recipe was closer to that first formulated by Arthur Bell.
Bell’s first began to release whisky in ceramic decanters during the 1920s, commemorating special occasions, and by 1930 a bell-shaped decanter was in use. A unique decanter is now produced each Christmas, while the highest prices at auction are paid for the 1981 Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer Royal Wedding decanter.
Today, the leading markets for Bell’s Original are the UK, South Africa, the Nordic countries, Spain and Brazil, and globally the brand is currently the 10th best-selling blended Scotch whisky, accounting for 2.36 million cases in 2013.
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