Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Glenrothes announces release of Vintage 1985

The Glenrothes® is to release the 1985 Vintage as the latest variant from the trophy-winning Speyside distillery. This is the second 1985 Vintage expression; the first was bottled and released in 1997 and sold out in 1998. It was noteworthy and highly-regarded for its aromatic spiciness. Now, eight years on, renowned Master Distiller, John Ramsay, has created a second expression, combining stocks owned by Berry Bros & Rudd with whisky held by Edrington Group, the whole married in Spanish oak butts.

The result of John Ramsay’s efforts is a small quantity of a wondrous whisky, as might be expected from a Glenrothes that is fully 20 years old. It is substantially different in personality from the original release by virtue of spending an additional eight years in cask. The Glenrothes characteristically features tasting notes on the label; the 1985 Vintage Malt is described as “Rich, creamy, dried fruits.”

This expression has a rich, fruity nose of raisins and sultanas but also plums, prunes, vanilla and chocolate. The soft, smooth palate features oak, vanilla and sultanas and has the creamy, mouth-filling texture of a café latte. This expression has a long, medium sweet finish with an emphasis on coffee and cocoa.

“The 1985 Vintage represents the latest addition to the very rare selections from the 1980s,” stated Ronnie Cox, Director of The Glenrothes. “The popularity of the 1984 and 1987 Vintages has led to both selling out. They will be replaced by the 1985 which underlines the distillery’s on-going commitment to the Vintage concept. As with all Vintages of The Glenrothes, the 1985 is rare and finite; there are fewer than 50,000 bottles in total and it will be on strict allocation. Half of the entire Vintage will be sold in the US.”

The Glenrothes 1985 Vintage Malt is available at fine wine & spirits shops nationwide. The recommended retail price is $120.00.

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