If the thought of single malt conjures up visions of a roaring fireplace, an on-the-rocks amber libation, and a suited older gentleman enjoying said libation, it’s time to fully reimagine this multi-faceted spirit.

First up, what exactly is a single malt? The short answer: It’s a whisky produced at one distillery and made using only malted barley as the grain. The next thing you need to know is that whisky is no longer just a man’s drink. These days, there are plenty of ways to partake: savour it neat as a nightcap, sip it on the rocks to kick off date night or experience it in a bevy of unique single malt cocktails with friends (read: a perfect way to level up your Sunday brunch). The Glenlivet, a heritage single malt brand with depth and a disruptive design, is breaking all category codes and expectations. With an array of diverse flavour profiles to sweeten the pot, there’s a single malt to match every mood. Take your pick: the intense but smooth flavour of pineapple in The Glenlivet’s 12 Year Old or the zesty, orange-tinged toffee apples in the Founder’s Reserve – and those are just two of the made-for-experimenting spirits from the extensive collection.

Just as the ways we enjoy single malt are changing, so, too, are the attitudes around women in the whisky world. After a spate of sexist call-outs swirled around the industry, The Glenlivet championed a supportive campaign, rejecting the exclusionary state of affairs for an inclusive, more modern approach to whisky enjoyment.

It’s a movement that resonates with Rose Simard, ELLE’s Montreal-based resident mixologist. In an industry where women are in the minority – and with no traditional bar service or mixology training to her name – Simard has managed to climb the ranks and break every stereotype about what a bartender is supposed to look like. “When I’m doing events, it’s not uncommon for me to receive comments on my arm strength,” she says with a laugh. “People are in awe seeing a woman shake 100 cocktails in an hour.”

It’s because of its undeniable versatility (hello, sparkling, honey-sweetened cocktails) that The Glenlivet remains a go-to spirit in Simard’s bartending repertoire. But it’s also because she has noticed a shift in who’s being drawn into the world of single malt. As more female executives and distillers gain recognition for their work, whisky has become a spirit of the people, not just men. Cheers to that.

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