1979 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Limited quantities of the very best casks of The Glenrothes malt whisky are individually selected from a given year's distillation when judged to be at the peak of their perfection. They are then bottled as The Glenrothes Vintage Malt. Distillation began at Glenrothes on Sunday 28th December 1879. This was also the night of the Tay Bridge disaster, which perhaps was not a happy augury as the company experienced initial difficulties as a result. One owner, Robert Dick, had to pledge the distillery plant as security for £2,000 advances from the Caledonian Bank, and among other sources of finance tapped were £600 loans from the minister of the United Presbyterian Church. During the 1880s the economic climate improved, the demand for Speyside whiskies grew and the minister?s loan was repaid.As demand grew for its increasingly prized malt whisky, work began in 1896 on extending The Glenrothes Distillery. A fire in 1922 became part of local folklore when it caused large quantities of matured whisky from a burning warehouse to pour into the Burn of Rothes, providing a toddy that the inhabitants (and even, it is claimed, the cows) supped generously!

Tasting Note: Bottled in 1994. This bottling is now hard to find. Solid gold in colour. The nose exhibits delicate peat, as promised on the label. Silky smooth body, slightly lighter than expected. The palate reveals lots of flavour development with licorice, spice and touches of dried fruit and peat. Spicy long dry finish. 43% Alc./Vol. Score 83/100
- Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion.