The Glenrothes, founded in 1879, announced the release of The 51. It is the distillery’s oldest whisky to date, aged for 51 years. 

The Glenrothes have remained committed to creating fine single malt Scotch whiskies of unparalleled quality focusing on the soft and naturally filtered water sourced from the distillery’s own private spring. This is the same water source that has sustained the wild and rare orchids on the Speyside estate for generations is the one that nurtured this 51-year-old whisky, imparting a softness and elegance that distinguishes it from all others.

Crafted from two remarkable refill casks, The 51 presents a complexity and vibrancy rarely found in whiskies of this age. One cask, higher in strength, delivers deeply perfumed notes that evoke the fragility of an orchid’s scent, while the other offers an elegant softness that allows the whisky’s intricate flavors to unfold with remarkable finesse. 

“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, timeless yet innovative. Crafted from just two casks, it offers a singular experience for those who truly understand and appreciate rarity,” Laura Rampling, Master Whisky Maker, The Glenrothes, said in a news release. “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’re thrilled to share this extraordinary and exclusive release with the world.”

Introducing a world-first approach to whisky packaging, The 51 is encased in a solid, sustainably-sourced Jesmonite column that can only be accessed by smashing it with a hammer provided, each breaking in its own unique way. 

Inspired by the Confucian notion that “everything has beauty, but not everyone can see it,” this bold act symbolizes the brand’s belief in active participation in the whisky experience. Owners are then invited to return the fragments to The Glenrothes, where a Kintsugi artist will restore them with gold, transforming the remains into a one-of-a-kind vase for an orchid to grow in, creating a lasting personal piece of art.

With only 100 bottles available globally and priced at £37,000, The 51 is an extremely limited release, offering whisky connoisseurs a chance to experience the first buds of change in an industry ready for innovation.

For more information, visit https://www.theglenrothes.com/en-us.

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