Bros & Rudd Spirits Ltd is delighted to announce the simultaneous release of The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage and The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage.
The release of a new Vintage of The Glenrothes is a rare and eagerly-anticipated event – usually only taking place as an existing Vintage becomes extinct. For two to appear at the same time is unprecedented and has come as a result of growing consumer demand, particularly in the Far East.
THE GLENROTHES 1988 VINTAGE
First shipments of The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage are destined specifically for Taiwan and other Far Eastern markets in response to interest following the successful launch of The Glenrothes at Whisky Live in Taipei and Shanghai. Thereafter The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage will be distributed in other markets as the 1985 and 1987 Vintages sell out. John Ramsay, Malt Master of The Glenrothes and recipient of Whisky Magazine’s 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award, describes this Vintage: “Incredible colour, nose and palate combined with one of the longest finishes in the world of Scotch malt whisky; a real gem. This is glorious!” The Glenrothes is matured in casks of both Spanish oak (Quercus Robur) and American oak (Quercus Alba) which are seasoned with either sherry or bourbon. Oak delivers up to 80% of whisky flavour; this unconventional wood policy gives the broadest possible selection of flavours, aromas and textures from which to create each individual expression of The Glenrothes. At The Glenrothes, maturity matters more than age; a combination of many factors, including unusually slow distillation in tall copper pot stills, delivers a characteristic sweet, fruity and elegant spirit. Each expression has its own unique personality, underpinned by the distinctive, hallmark characteristics of the distillery – ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and an exquisite spicy finish all enveloped in the creamiest of textures and with a complex and well-poised balance.
Ronnie Cox, Brands Heritage Director, stated: “With the passing of time, Vintages from the 1970s and 1980s are inevitably becoming more and more endangered. The 1988 Vintage is a fantastic reminder of how beautifully The Glenrothes ripens from vibrant, zesty youth to rich, full-bodied maturity.” The Glenrothes is instantly recognisable from its distinctive bottles. This expression has its flavour notes as “rich candied orange peel, fruit compote, vanilla.”
Tasting Notes: The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage 43%Appearance: Copper gold, clear and bright Nose: Rich and spicy; ripe, dark, berry fruitsPalate: Rich, full flavour; candied orange peel, fruit compote
Finish: Very long, medium sweet Following an initial launch in Taiwan at NT$5,500, The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage will become available worldwide in limited quantities at similarly super-premium price points.
THE GLENROTHES 1998 VINTAGE
The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage will be distributed in domestic markets as the core Vintage in Taiwan, Singapore and China. Following John Ramsay’s imminent retirement, Gordon Motion is taking over Malt Master at The Glenrothes. His signature therefore appears for the first time on the label of the Vintage 1998: “It’s said that pictures speak a thousand words and this is like Carmen Miranda’s hat in a bottle. Tropical fruits lead with pineapple and mango developing into sweet bananas, coconut and classic Glenrothes vanilla pods.” Significantly, this is the first Vintage to use stocks specifically laid down for bottling as The Glenrothes upon reaching maturity. As a result it is anticipated that The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage will have greater longevity than some of the earlier vintages. Ronnie Cox, Brands Heritage Director, stated: “The 1991 and 1994 Vintages have been so well-received by whisky enthusiasts that I fear we will run out shortly. However, The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage is stunning and I am sure it will satisfy the interest shown in our whiskies by visitors to the recent whisky festivals in Taipei and Shanghai.” The flavour notes on the bottle for this Vintage read; “lemon citrus, rich vanilla, cinnamon hints.”
Tasting Notes: The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage 43%Appearance: Medium golden, clear and bright Nose: Rich, spicy vanilla, golden syrup and lemongrass Palate: Soft, mature, sweet vanilla with a hint of cinnamon Finish: Smooth, long, rich vanillaThe Glenrothes 1998 Vintage will be available in Far Eastern markets (at NT$1500).
