Glenrothes 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

The oldest whisky produced by the Speyside distillery, this is a classic malt with an excellent character.

A True Speysider

The Glenrothes Distillery is well known for producing malt with a wonderful Speyside character. They represent their region
well. Speyside, the most distillery dense Scotch whisky region, is renowned for sherried malts with light bodies. Glenrothes produces exquisite examples of some of the best Speyside malts.

This expression in particular, is a brilliant example of the skills at Glenrothes. It was distilled in 1978 and has
been maturing in sherry seasoned casks and ex-bourbon casks in that time. The flavours are incredible and it is fantastically smooth.

The Glenrothes’ Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion 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”

It has been released as part of the Soleo Collection, which is an exploration into sherried malts. The youngest age statement in this collection is a 10 year old, with the 40 year old being the oldest. Soleo came out in 2018, replacing the core range of vintage whiskies with new age statemented malts. This was in an effort to reach a more modern drinker.

Tasting notes for the Glenrothes 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The nose opens with citrus fruits and lots of sweetness. It is full of toasted white sugar, cinnamon spice and biscuity
notes. The 40 years of maturation have brought out a lot of sweetness and spice and the dense sherry flavours really come out in the aroma.

The palate is rich and chewy, with a super smooth mouth feel. Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch and tangy dried fruits give it a wonderful flavour overall. Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg add a wonderful warmth. These are the perfect combination with notes of orange zest and Christmas cake.

The palate ends of vanilla, oak wood and more cinnamon warmth.

This is not only a classic Speyside malt, but a really great malt. It will appeal to the modern drinker and the seasoned expert alike. Well worth the 40 year wait.

What do you think of the Glenrothes 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: GlenrothesGlenrothes 40Scotch WhiskySingle MaltSpeyside Distillery

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.