22-03-2025
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.
