Glenrothes 40 year old single malt whisky

This September sees the release of The Glenrothes’ first-ever 40 year old single malt, a whisky that marks a moment in the history of The Glenrothes that can never be repeated. Maturing in cask since December 1978, this rare liquid began life in copper stills that Glenrothes took out of action soon after; whilst the current still house continues to produce The Glenrothes’ exceptional spirit to the same exacting standards, that means this particular whisky can’t be repeated. A moment in history.

The whisky is described as smooth and complex in character, having gently evolved over the course of four decades in a combination of sherry-seasoned and ex-bourbon oak casks. The resulting single malt is a beautifully deep ruby colour and has distinctive aromas of orange oil, peach, cedar wood and almond. On the palate, The Glenrothes 40 Year Old is described as resinous and rich in sweetness, with notes of sultanas, cinnamon and nutmeg that balance elegantly with delicate tobacco and soft oak tannin.

Commenting on the new release, Gordon Motion, who is the master whisky maker at The Glenrothes, said: “Forty years ago The Glenrothes distillery was different in many ways, yet our whisky character has remained unchanged. To be able to release some of the last remaining spirit from the original still feels like we’re celebrating the end of an era and is incredibly rewarding. This whisky will never exist again and that’s what makes the release of our 40 year old so special and highlights the true rarity of this expression.”

This 40 Year Old is the latest addition to the Soleo Collection from The Glenrothes which was launched in 2018. An edit of six single malt whiskies, the collection is designed for the modern drinker, with each single malt celebrating a unique flavour profile, reflective of the influence of sherry seasoned oak casks and ageing between 10 and 40 years.

If you’re interested in picking up a bottle, The Glenrothes 40 Year Old is available from 1st October at Berry Bros & Rudd at an RRP of £2,900. Only 594 bottles will ever be released, each individually numbered and presented in an oak box.