The last-ever bottling of The Glenrothes 50-year-old Whisky, the distillery’s oldest single malt yet, went on sale at a charity auction last month. The hammer fell on the closing bid at £39,000 ($54,700 USD).
In November of 2020, Decanter #38 of the 50-year-old batch sold at auction for HK$322,400. Three months later, in February of 2021, Decanter #50’s final selling price exceeded its contemporary by a difference of close to HK$100,000, topping out at £39,000.
All proceeds from the sale of this auction, delivered by Charles Graham-Campbell of Bonhams, will be donated to the winning bidder’s charity of choice.
Whisky expressions of the 20- and 30-year-old varieties are the more quotidian releases; in fact, prior to this batch, The Glenrothes’ oldest single malt was a mere 25 years old. That means these whiskies are not taken lightly, and this specimen is amongst the rarest drinks; the 50th of 50 bottlings is arguably The Glenrothes’ crown jewel; a once-in-a-generation articulation of 140-years worth of expertise, craft and passion.
“After half a century maturing in sherry bourbon oak casks, our 50-year-old single malt offers a unique blend of aromas with complexity that only a whisky of this age can deliver,” said Laura Rampling, Master Whisky Maker at The Glenrothes. “It is dark and fragrant, offering sweet and spiced flavours with a refined finish and gentle lingering of woody spices. On the nose, drinkers can expect hints of jasmine and cedar.”
The gravity of the 50th of 50, the last in a history steeped in tradition and exceptional craft commanded an element of celebration. Commemorating the sale, was a hand-engraved collar, commissioned by Hamilton and Inches – forged with 22-carat Scottish gold mined from Scotland’s only gold mine beneath the stunning natural beauty at the edge of The Trossachs National Park.
Last October, The Glenrothes unveiled the 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch.
To learn more about Glenrothes whiskies, head over to its official website.
