The Glenrothes Releases Its Oldest Scotch Whisky Yet

The Glenrothes was built in 1879. Much of the stonework on its original site was likely chiseled and constructed by hand. To drink its oldest whisky to date, which launches this season, you’ll need to put in some work, too—by hammering the bottle out of a stone encasing.

Scotch distilleries are always messing around with elaborate sculptures and artistic presentations for bottles, but The Glenrothes took it to the next level. Every person who buys one of the 100 limited-edition bottles of its oldest whiskey ever, aged 52 years, has to chisel away at a protective column of sustainably-sourced Jesmonite to get to the whisky underneath.

What’s inside is undoubtedly worth tasting. The Glenrothes The 51 is a single malt Scotch whisky crafted from just two refill casks. In comparison to new casks, refill casks impart flavor slowly over time. Often, the flavors are more subtle, similar to how a second cup of tea tastes when it’s made with the same teabag. 

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The Glenrothes carefully selected these two casks. One boasted a high proof and floral character, the second a creamy sweetness and velvety texture. Together, they make for a balanced experience. It's a unique whisky, most notably because it comes with a hammer, but also because of the tasting notes.

Buyers have to physically chisel their purchase out of stone.

Courtesy Image

The provided notes describe a fresh, fruity summertime whisky, one with aromas of almonds, overripe watermelon, peach, rose oil, and earl grey tea with sandalwood. The palate includes notes of “ripe melon, rose water…a hint of antique oak,” and continuing hints of earl grey and almonds, before a velvety soft and fragrant finish. 

“This whisky defies expectations,” says Laura Rampling, master whisky maker for The Glenrothes. "Crafted from just two casks, it offers a singular experience…from soft floral notes to deep complexity, much like the orchids that bloom year after year on our estate.”

A price tag of £37,000, roughly $48,000, might make buyers think twice about how they swing the hammer. But it should be said that the price puts Glenrothes on the lower side of the 50-something-year-old releases announced in the last 12 months, though certainly in line with the trend of thousand-dollar-per-year prices for this age range. Plus, you know, free hammer.

Related: I Tried The Glen Grant's $50,000 New Scotch. Here's My Honest Review