It’s strange to think that a single malt Scotch whisky, aged for 51 years, needs something other than itself to stand out in the market. But so prevalent are these ultra-aged statements that The Glenrothes added further novelty to its oldest release. Buy one of the 100 decanters, and you’ll find it trapped in a Jesmonite column. And the only release mechanism is a hammer.
Further novelty ensues when, at a private tasting in London, a small group of journalists discover that only buyers will know what the bottle looks like. The Glenrothes wants to add additional exclusivity to an already ultra-aged, ultra-rare and ultra-expensive ($46,500) Scotch whisky. Once you smash the case, The Glenrothes will send someone to pick up the pieces and give it to a local artist, who will return it as a reconstructed, one-of-a-kind vase.
As for the whisky, The Glenrothes is best described as The Macallan’s little sister. The distilleries share a parent in Edrington. Both use predominantly sherry-seasoned oak casks to age whisky, and those casks are often sourced from the same Spanish suppliers.
But The Glenrothes has a long history dating back to 1879 and a signature style of its own, helped by the two natural springs from where it sources its water. The water filters down through layers of rocks over decades before falling into an aquifer. When it comes back up, it has a distinctive, clean character that is considered key to the whisky’s lightness.
The 51 Year Old is a marriage of just two casks, one a sherry-seasoned cask and the other a former remnant cask, which was used to test different batches of whisky over a period of time and brings many different influences to the whisky. The result is a multi-layered liquid that brings the typical Glenrothes vibrancy, mixed with something darker and richer.
“This whisky defies expectations – elegant yet powerful, it offers a singular experience for those who truly understand and appreciate rarity,” said master whisky maker Laura Rampling. “Each sip unveils new layers, from soft floral notes to deep complexity, much like the orchids that bloom year after year on our estate.”
The Glenrothes 51 Year Old – Tasting Notes
Nose: Lots of floral notes on the nose: heather and aniseed. Delicious candied fruits mixed with vanilla pods. The fragrant notes grow strong over time, growing into aniseed. You’d have a hard time identifying the age, considering the freshness.
Palate: Lots of sweetness up front with a light spice mixed with soft vanilla. Then the deeper notes come in with baked apples with sweet spices, before the aged notes start to take over.
Finish: A full transition from vibrant and sweet to complex and mature. The finish reveals those older cask influences: dried oak, wood spice and a pleasantly dry finish.
Score: 8/10
– 10 A unicorn: Spend whatever it takes
– 8.5–9.5 Top shelf: Impress your fellow whisky geeks
– 7–8: Great: Buy two bottles – one to drink, one to keep
– 5.5–6.5: Very good: Keep it on the shelf – a good daily drinker
– 5: Not bad: There’s better out there for the same money
– Below 5 – Disappointing
The Glenrothes 51 Year Old is priced at $46,500 plus local taxes. It’s available to pre-order at reservbar.com
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