The Glenrothes has unveiled a 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, the oldest Whisky the Speyside distillery has ever released. Only 50 bottles of the half-century-old spirits will be released globally and are priced at $35,000 apiece.
The Glenrothes 50-year-old was distilled back in 1968, the same year that Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kenedy were assassinated, Nixon won the White House, Apollo 8 orbited the moon, and the Beatles dropped “The White Album.” The spirit matured in Sherry and Bourbon oak casks.
Coming in at 48% ABV, the Whisky offers aromas of wood spices, lilting between cedarwood and clove, along with notes of linseed oil and jasmine. The sweet and spicy palate features cardamom, fennel seeds and vanilla pods, while notes of cedar. The finish is delicate with lingering wood spices.
“This 50-year-old single malt is a dramatic blend of aromas with layers of complexity only a whisky of this age can deliver—truly luxurious, dark and fragrant,” said Laura Rampling, master whisky maker at The Glenrothes.
The Whisky is presented in individually numbered, handmade faceted crystal decanters. And along with the golden liquid and its beautiful bottle, purchasers also receive an exclusive membership to FIFTY, a new club, that comes with a hand-engraved membership card. Members of the club will be invited to The Glenrothes Highland Estate and Distillery, which is normally closed to visitors, for a one-of-a-kind experience. They’ll have the opportunity to meet the master blenders and go behind-the-scenes at the distillery that has been producing whisky since 1879. In addition, FIFTY members will receive continued access to product releases and future brand experiences.
“As our oldest ever release, this 50-year-old is a salute to the loyalty and craft of our distillery team, several of whom have over 40 years’ service,” said Kerr Arthur, director of The Glenrothes brand. “They truly understand the art of whisky-making The Glenrothes way and now 50 people will have the privilege of sharing in this milestone release.”
