UK. The Glenrothes previewed the award-winning 1991 Vintage in a one-litre bottle exclusively for global travel retail at the TFWA World Exhibition last month.
First released in 2005 under the auspices of John Ramsay, the latest version of the Vintage 1991 – bottled in 2010 and featuring new packaging – has been selected by new Malt Master Gordon Motion.
The 1991 Vintage is a single malt whisky 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 is said to give the broadest possible selection of flavours, aromas and textures from which to create each individual expression of The Glenrothes, according to the brand.
At The Glenrothes, maturity matters more than age; a combination of many factors, including unusually slow distillation in tall copper pot stills, delivers what the brand describes as a characteristic sweet, fruity and elegant spirit.
In the tasting notes on the label, the 1991 Vintage is characterised as “berry fruits, vanilla and butterscotch”.
This expression has a nose of berry fruits, vanilla and white chocolate and a palate featuring coconut, vanilla and butterscotch – combined with a long, vanilla finish. This makes it particularly suitable to be enjoyed immediately after dinner, The Glenrothes said.
“The 1991 is enticing, open and refined; it is lively and spicy on first meeting followed by a fruity voluptuousness and creamy butterscotch flavours. This is what I call a conversation dram, post-lunch or dinner or even – I’ve heard – mid-afternoon. The point is that it is neither zesty in nature nor so big that it tires. We’re told it is dangerously “˜more-ish’. This is your warning,” stated Berry Bros & Rudd Brands Heritage Director Ronnie Cox.
The Glenrothes 1991 Vintage (43%abv) will be available exclusively in global travel retail from January 2011 at €80 for a one-litre bottle.
The Glenrothes 1991 Vintage was awarded “˜Best in Class’ at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2009 and a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.
Maxxium Travel Retail is responsible for the marketing and distribution of The Glenrothes in Europe. For more information, contact Mariska van Beukering, Marketing Manager Europe, mobile: +31 651089708 or e-mail: mariska.vanbeukering@maxxium.com.
