The Glenrothes Unveils A 51 Year Old Scotch. You'll Need A Hammer To Open It
The Glenrothes 51 Year
Founded in 1879, The Glenrothes is a Speyside single malt producer that often highlights a few key aspects of its whisky production: very soft (low mineral content) water, vibrant and fruity new-make spirit, and the hallmark floral notes that develop in its highly aged stocks. But the distillery's newest—and to date, oldest age-stated—release introduces an element never before seen among the world's luxury single malt releases.
A hammer, which you'll need in order to access the spirit.
The Glenrothes just announced a 51 year single malt Scotch, crafted from two casks and limited to just 100 bottles globally. (With a price tag of $46,500, we should add.)
Beyond the rarity of the liquid itself, one striking aspect of the release is that only purchasers will have a chance to see what the bottles actually look like. That's because each bottle is encased in a cylindrical container—or 'column'—made from sustainably sourced Jesmonite. Each unique container comes packaged with a branded hammer, which can be used to break through the column to access the bottle of whiskey inside.
Having seen the hammer up close, its size and shape reminded me a bit of Andy Dufresne's escape instrument in The Shawshank Redemption. Except this is one tool you won't need to hide in a book.
The Glenrothes 51
Those daring enough to bust through the column are encouraged to retain the shards. According to a brand press release, 'Upon retrieving the whisky, the owner is invited to return the fragments of column to The Glenrothes, where a Kintsugi artist will restore them with gold, transforming the remains into a one-of-a-kind vase in which a real orchid can grow. A lasting piece of art that is theirs alone.'
Orchids are a through line in the marketing of The Glenrothes 51. The brand says a 'strength in fragility' ethos was inspired by wild orchids that grow on the distillery's estate in Speyside.
The Glenrothes 51 in a tasting glass
While Forbes was given a sneak peak at the packaging, we weren't able to view the bottle inside or sample the whisky in this particular release. However, brand notes highlight watermelon, peach kernels, and fresh almonds on the nose. (The peach especially is a familiar aroma for those who have tasted 25+ year Glenrothes releases.) The palate is big on ripe melon, rose water, and tea, with an undercurrent of oak before a fragrant and sweet finish.
The Glenrothes 51 officially released on March 20th. Happy hunting—and hammering—to those searching for a bottle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
Why French Whiskey Belongs on Your Shelf
Glass of cognac on the vintage barrel. getty France has long had a reputation for doing alcohol very well. Cognac? Legendary. Champagne? Peerless. Wine in general? A national obsession. But whiskey? Until recently, that was more of a side character in the French drinks universe—enjoyed, perhaps, but not often made. That's changing. Thanks to a growing number of ambitious distillers and an audience eager for homegrown alternatives to Scotch or Irish whiskey, France is becoming a serious player in the global whiskey scene. And yes, the French are doing it their way—with regional ingredients, wine barrel finishes, and a deep respect for terroir. Here's what to know about the rise of French whiskey—and six bottles that absolutely belong on your shelf. The French have been drinking whiskey for over a century—largely imports from Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S. But the idea of making whiskey? That took time. For decades, French law and tradition centered around grape-based spirits like Cognac and Armagnac. It wasn't until the late 20th century that whiskey-making in France really took off, with distillers in Brittany and Alsace leading the way. Why those regions? Because they already had a distilling culture, and—perhaps more importantly—they weren't part of the protected zones for Cognac or Armagnac, giving them more freedom to experiment. Fast forward to today, and France now has over 100 whiskey producers crafting everything from peated single malts to rye whiskeys aged in Sauternes barrels. Armorik Single Malt Distillerie Warenghem Lannion, Brittany Armorik is basically the OG of French whiskey—produced by Warenghem, a family-run distillery that's been making spirits since the 1900s and whiskey since the 1980s. If France had a whiskey hall of fame, this would be the first inductee. The Armorik Classic Single Malt is aged in French oak and sherry casks, offering notes of malted barley, apple tart, honey, and spice, with just enough oak to keep things grounded. It's warm, inviting, and wonderfully Breton. Brenne French Single Malt Brenne Cognac Region Brenne is the whiskey your wine-loving friend will instantly understand. Founded by former ballerina-turned-spirits-entrepreneur Allison Parc, it's distilled in the Cognac region using organic barley, and aged in—wait for it—ex-Cognac barrels. The result? A fruity, floral whiskey with flavors of banana bread, crème brûlée, dried fig, and baking spice, and a finish that feels like dessert in a glass. If you like your whiskey soft, approachable, and just a little bit flashy, Brenne is your move. Origine Collection Rozelieures Single Malt Lorraine Rozelieures is one of the few French distilleries that grows its own barley, malts it, distills it, and ages it all on-site. Think of it as the farm-to-glass whiskey of France—with volcanic soil thrown in for good measure. The Origine Collection is lightly peated and aged in ex-Cognac and sherry casks. Expect notes of smoky pear, black tea, citrus peel, and roasted nuts, all tied together by a delicate minerality. If you're into Highland-style Scotch but want to go off-script, this one's a no-brainer. Moissons Single Malt Domaine des Hautes Glaces Alps Region This is the whiskey equivalent of a biodynamic natural wine. Domaine des Hautes Glaces (aka DHG) makes avant-garde spirits using sustainable farming, long fermentation, and native yeast. You don't just drink this stuff—you feel it. The Moissons Single Malt offers an earthy, grain-forward profile with aromas of hay, toasted rye bread, dried fruit, and a whisper of alpine herbs. It's rustic, bold, and built for serious sipping—or intense philosophical debates. Triple Malt Rouge Bellevoye Blend of Three Regions Bellevoye does things a little differently. Rather than distilling in one region, they source whiskey from three different distilleries in France and blend it—think of it as a curated tasting menu in a bottle. The Rouge expression is finished in ex-Bordeaux wine casks, which gives it a tannic edge and a lovely red fruit core. You'll find notes of cherry compote, toasted oak, almond skin, and dark chocolate, with a plush, almost chewy finish. If you like whiskey with swagger and structure, this one's for you. Heritage French Malt Alfred Giraud Cognac Region Crafted by a family with deep Cognac roots, Alfred Giraud takes a haute couture approach to whiskey. The Heritage release blends several malt distillates and is aged in a combination of new French oak and Cognac casks. It's smooth but complex, with flavors of stewed plum, spice cake, roasted hazelnut, and orange peel, and just enough Cognac richness to make you say "Ooh la la." Yes, it's on the pricier side—but very much worth it if you're into layered, luxurious pours. French whiskey may still be considered 'new,' but it's rooted in deep craft traditions and powered by a seriously creative distilling culture. These aren't Scotch clones—they're expressions of French terroir, barrel aging expertise, and yes, a little Gallic flair. So if your whiskey shelf is already packed with bottles from Kentucky, Islay, and Hokkaido, it might be time to make room for something with a French accent. Just don't be surprised if one of these bottles becomes your next favorite—and insists on being paired with cheese.
Eater
20 hours ago
- Eater
Raleigh's Boatman Spirits Co. Is More Than Just a Distillery
Skip to main content Current eater city: Carolinas Along with unique liquors, find za'atar chicken wings, beef shawarma, and lamb kofta at Boatman Spirits Co. Jun 11, 2025, 7:25 PM UTC Raleigh newcomer Boatman Spirits Co. will add a bit of drama to the distillery scene when it opens on Friday, June 13. Located in downtown's Seaboard Station, the 7,000-square-foot space is impressive with its sweeping archways, old-world tiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The space sets the stage for craft spirits, creative cocktails, and Mediterranean fare. Boatman Spirits Co. is the cumulative efforts of Aaron Lambert, George Ghneim, Zack Thomas, and Geremy Prichard. Lambert, who managed Transfer Co. Food Hall, is the director of operations. Ghneim, who previously ran Riviera Mediterranean Resto & Lounge in downtown Raleigh, is a co-owner, and his Palestinian heritage influenced the menu. Thomas, a bartender with experience at Foundation and the Crunkleton, heads up the beverage program. Prichard, a former winemaker, is the spirits production manager. 'We want the space, menus, and execution to be a departure from the expected. We want the atmosphere to capture your attention and your senses and whisk you away to some new far-off place,' says Lambert. Once the stills are up and running, Boatman Spirits Co. plans to produce vodka, gin, single malt whiskey, rye whiskey, fruit brandies, and arak, a traditional Mediterranean spirit. The team expects it will be approximately two months before they see bottles of their own products. 'The one spirit that inspired George and Jeremy to start working together was a single malt,' says Lambert, 'So we are going to be aging some single malts in barrels in our brick house. One spirit that I've been working on, that I'm very stoked about, is an acorn amaro.' Basically, expect the unexpected at Boathouse Spirits Co. While waiting for those in-house alcohols to come to fruition, visitors to Boatman Spirits Co. will be able to choose from a variety of exciting cocktails created under the classic format categories of Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Sours, and Spritzes. One example is the West Side Garden, made with Scotch, apricot, tahini, and cucumber, to follow the flavors of the cuisine. 'The menu is both familiar and surprising,' says Thomas. 'We wanted to honor cocktail history while exploring new, unexpected flavor combinations.' On the food menu, diners will find za'atar chicken wings, beef shawarma, a lamb kofta burger, tallow fries, fattoush salad, tahini ice cream, and more. 'The cocktail experience is a lot more complete when you have food to pair with it,' says Lambert, 'It's a wonderful tool to express the brand.' Boatman Spirits Co. will open 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday. See More: Raleigh Restaurant Openings
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
6 Luxuries To Give Up This Summer If Tariffs Are Wrecking Your Budget
While it has been challenging to keep up with which tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are in effect on what trading partner and when, the undeniable result is that many companies have raised prices on everything from food and clothing to hotels and other leisure related goods. Find Out: Read Next: If your budget is suddenly tighter as a result and you're looking at your summer plans and purchases with a more critical eye, here are some suggestions for some summer luxuries to pare back on if these tariffs are wreaking budget havoc. (Hint: If the word 'imported' or 'designer' is involved, scale back.) Who doesn't love a charcuterie board for a summer meal — you don't have to cook and you can bring it to an event looking like you worked all day in the kitchen. Unfortunately, some of the fruits and cheeses that look best on such a board are going to be facing price hikes right now. Instead, look for local deals from farmer's markets. Learn More: A lot of people have been learning the hard way that their favorite designer brands are often having their merchandise made in China, keeping it somewhat affordable. As a result, if you love a good pair of designer sunglasses, this is not the summer to get a new pair. Make good with the ones you have or pick up a less fancy pair for a better price. Apparel is one of the consumer areas hit hardest by the tariffs, since the vast majority of what Americans wear on their bodies and feet is made overseas. So slow your roll on a fashion-forward bathing suit that comes from a cute little boutique and look to the places that can still cut deals, like TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less. If summer is a time when you pad yourself with the accoutrements of fitness since you can spend more time outdoors, you might want to rethink that, too. Smartwatches and Fitbits may be more expensive than usual. Look into refurbished, secondhand or stick with what you've got until prices level off. You don't have to stop drinking wine or spirits, but you might find it's a lot pricier to buy your favorites if they're coming from overseas. Scotch whisky, French or Italian wine, even spirits made in Canada and Mexico may now cost you a lot more than you were hoping to spend. Alternately, it's a great time to indulge more in nonalcoholic treats. If you're traveling this summer and love to pick up souvenirs wherever you go, you might want to think twice about carrying home armloads to your friends and family. A single memento to help you commemorate the trip might be enough, or perhaps your photos and memories will suffice. More From GOBankingRates Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on 6 Luxuries To Give Up This Summer If Tariffs Are Wrecking Your Budget Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
