1970 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Last Drop Distillers
Many scotch aficionados are quick to point out that age is just a number. They’re not wrong. There is a regrettable tendency among the general population to invariably equate older with better. And it’s just not always the case. A beautiful dram is all about balance and nuance—elements that can be lost within an overaged spirit, and finely-tuned when a blender is given the freedom to work within non-age statement parameters. But sometimes they’re presented with incontrovertible evidence of the contrary. Exhibit A: the latest release from the Last Drop Distillers, a compelling case for the elegance—and relevance—of extended age.
Founded in 2007 by a pair of industry legends—Tom Jago and James Espey—the UK-based independent bottler exists as something of a connoisseurs dream come true. They specialize in discovering rare casks of liquid from forgotten corners of cellars and barrelhouses across Scotland and beyond. This latest release is an exceptional 50-year-old single malt sourced from the Glenrothes Distillery. It completes a trilogy of half-century offerings from the famed Speyside producer—a series which debuted in 2018 with a 1968 vintage barreling.
Sadly, Jago couldn’t be here to see his brand’s latest release. The man credited with creating so many notable labels (including Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Bailey’s Irish Cream) passed away in 2018. His daughter Rebecca Jago continues his legacy as Managing Director.
Laid down on December 6th, 1970, cask number 10588 yielded just 87 total bottles when it was dumped earlier this year—10 months shy of its 50th birthday. An incredibly rich malt emerged, brimming with over-ripened fruit and a gentle, custard-like sweetness in its lengthy finish. The other two barrels in this trilogy, although distilled in 1969 and 1968, respectively, all aged in close proximity to one another for the duration of maturation. Amazingly, each liquid owns a striking individuality when sipped alongside its brethren.
“These three casks [of the Glenrothes trilogy] are truly drams for whisky lovers and spirits connoisseurs,” she says. “Ones that you might wish to savor quietly on your own, before sharing with carefully chosen accomplices who will appreciate their unique characters.”
Whisky Bible author, Jim Murray seems to concur. The noted critic has unleashed glowing praise on each bottling of the trilogy. Of the 1970 vintage he wrote it “is a delicious and highly unusual mix between eggnog and bourbon, with the unmistakable air of whisky royalty.”
This latest offering—the 18th overall release from Last Drop—retails in the US market for $6250. Considering what some comparably aged scotches are fetching at auction these days, it stands as a reasonable investment. And for those who choose to stash away the bottle for such, the brand’s proprietary packaging includes a supplementary 50ml pour-down to enjoy in the interim.
For a list of local liquor shops carrying it, click here.