Glenrothes (Verdict: Well-worth $25,000!)

As you already know, we're huge Glenrothes fans. We have yet to fine a scotch that can come close to their relentless pursuit to produce the perfect scotch. And, as Spungle continue to turn a profit, and we invest that profit in older and older vintages, we're learning that vintage scotch is a whole new level of scotch enjoyment. Which is why, when we got word of a new Glenrothes experience, we felt that we had to share it with you ASAP. So without further ado, we present to you the best use a spare $25,000!


The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience offers serious Scotch aficionados the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample vintage Single Malts no longer available to the general public. Accessible only to those who truly savor the finest things in life, the tasting will be held in the beautifully appointed cellars of Berry Brothers & Rudd’s St. James Street location.

Ronnie Cox, recently-named Whiskey Ambassador for Scotland for 2008 and Master of the Keepers of the Quaich, will lead the tasting. The vintages will be paired with dishes prepared by the distinguished Berry Brothers & Rudd Head Chef, Stewart Turner, formerly of the Connaught and Brown’s Hotels as well as The Waterside Inn at Bray and Gravetye Manor in Sussex.


Mr. Cox has specially selected the vintages to be offered in the tasting. It is the singular opportunity to taste these unavailable vintages that is the allure of this special night -- nowhere else in the world can a Scotch lover indulge in the luxury of these rare bottles. These will include:

The Glenrothes 1966 Single Cask #1438 -- Appearance: Deep, dark red; Aroma: Full strength - Dried fruit, linseed oil, butter toffee; Palate: Sweet, strawberry, ripe oranges, vanilla; Finish: Medium length, sweet.

The Glenrothes 1979 Vintage (Bottled 1994): Appearance: Natural, solid gold; Aroma: Delicate peat, heavy fruit/plums. Some spiciness; Palate: A full flavor, silky-smooth, licorice with lots of spiciness and touches of dried fruit and peat; Finish: Spicy, smooth, becoming dry.

The Glenrothes 1985 Vintage (Bottled 1997): Appearance: Natural, golden color, clear and bright; Aroma: Aromatic with a hint of spiciness; Palate: Full bodied, sweet and spicy; Finish: Medium sweet, long and well-balanced.

With dinner, guests will also enjoy some exceptional wines from the Berry family reserves held under lock and key in their private cellars. This is of course a 'by invitation only' opportunity as the family rarely opens their private cellars to outsiders. Simon Berry, the company’s current chairman, will choose the wine depending on what he deems right and ready at the time, and to match the food being prepared.

The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience is limited to 10 individuals. Inclusive cost is $25,000! Booking can require as much as a year’s notice, depending on Mr. Cox’s schedule-- so get on it! Connoisseurs interested in booking this one-of-a-kind experience should contact Bridget DiMartino at 212-477-8090 or e-mail her at bridget (at) tbtpr.com.