Glenrothes Distillery, Speyside

Glenrothes has been producing Speyside Single Malts since 1879. Glenrothes's distillery is in Rothes in the heart of Speyside which is acknowledged by connoisseurs as the source of Scotland's finest single malts; indeed, it has the highest density of distilleries of any region. This is due to the unusually clement climate experienced in this area and the ample supply of soft water provided by the river Spey.

Glenrothes is sought-after by Master Blenders across the land as a 'top dresser' for their blends, contributing an extra dimension of elegance, complexity and quality. Cutty Sark Scots Whisky is one such blend, but, unusually, it has Glenrothes at its heart, rather than as a peripheral ingredient.

Glenrothes Vintage Malt is the product of one year of distillation. Unlike wine, where climate is key in determining the quality of the vintage, with Single Malts it is the quality of the wood used in the oak casks which is of greatest influence.

Once a prospective Glenrothes vintage malt has been identified, its casks are systematically checked until such time as the malt is judged to be at its best for drinking; then it is bottled.

Normally this ageing process is between 10 and 16 years after distillation, producing a malt characterised by a fruity, spicy nose and a heathery-honeyed palate. On rare occasions, this ageing process can be longer, producing classics with dried fruit character and real mellowness.