The Glenrothes has revealed a 51-year-old single malt presented in an unusual packaging, which replaces the distillery's previous 50-year-old release as its oldest whisky to date.
Positioned as an elegant spirit, the distillery says new release The 51 is inspired by the "strength in fragility" of the wild orchids which grow on the Glenrothes' estate in Speyside.
The liquid for the 51-year-old expression is drawn from just two casks, with 100 bottles release. The distillery says one cask brings "deeply perfumed notes" while the second complements it with "luxurious richness and depth".
Laura Rampling, master whisky maker for the Glenrothes, commented: “The 51 is a testament to those rare moments in whisky making when patience, nature, and craft align perfectly. This whisky defies expectations — elegant yet powerful, it offers a singular experience for those who truly understand and appreciate rarity.
“Each sip unveils new layers, from soft floral notes to deep complexity, much like the orchids that bloom year after year on our estate. We are thrilled to share this extraordinary and exclusive release with the world.”
Tasting notes supplied by the distillery highlight fruits, florals, and nuts, including watermelon, rose water, bergamot, and almonds.
The whisky is presented in a solid Jesmonite column, and can only be accessed by smashing the column with a hammer, which the Glenrothes provides for the occasion. Each column will therefore break in a different way, which the distillery says means it will be unique to is owner, like how an orchid is designed to attract a single pollinator.
Once broken, the Glenrothes invites owners to send the pieces back to the distillery, where a Kintsugi artist will repair it using a precious metal. The vessel will then become a vase, in which the distillery says a real orchid can grow.
Jonny Fowle, global head of whisky at Sotheby’s, said: “In the last few years, the whisky market has overwhelmed collectors with ultra-premium whiskies at extremely high price points, making collectors less likely to open their bottles. Collectors are looking to be incentivised to drink their whiskies, and herein lies a great new approach to this very problem. The 51 is for the true lovers of whisky; those who interact, drink, and enjoy Scotch.”
The Glenrothes 51 is priced at £37,000 and available via select whisky specialists.
