The Glenrothes Unveils A 51 Year Old Scotch. You'll Need A Hammer To Open It
The Glenrothes 51 Year
Founded in 1879, The Glenrothes is a Speyside single malt producer that often highlights a few key aspects of its whisky production: very soft (low mineral content) water, vibrant and fruity new-make spirit, and the hallmark floral notes that develop in its highly aged stocks. But the distillery's newest—and to date, oldest age-stated—release introduces an element never before seen among the world's luxury single malt releases.
A hammer, which you'll need in order to access the spirit.
The Glenrothes just announced a 51 year single malt Scotch, crafted from two casks and limited to just 100 bottles globally. (With a price tag of $46,500, we should add.)
Beyond the rarity of the liquid itself, one striking aspect of the release is that only purchasers will have a chance to see what the bottles actually look like. That's because each bottle is encased in a cylindrical container—or 'column'—made from sustainably sourced Jesmonite. Each unique container comes packaged with a branded hammer, which can be used to break through the column to access the bottle of whiskey inside.
Having seen the hammer up close, its size and shape reminded me a bit of Andy Dufresne's escape instrument in The Shawshank Redemption. Except this is one tool you won't need to hide in a book.
The Glenrothes 51
Those daring enough to bust through the column are encouraged to retain the shards. According to a brand press release, 'Upon retrieving the whisky, the owner is invited to return the fragments of column to The Glenrothes, where a Kintsugi artist will restore them with gold, transforming the remains into a one-of-a-kind vase in which a real orchid can grow. A lasting piece of art that is theirs alone.'
Orchids are a through line in the marketing of The Glenrothes 51. The brand says a 'strength in fragility' ethos was inspired by wild orchids that grow on the distillery's estate in Speyside.
The Glenrothes 51 in a tasting glass
While Forbes was given a sneak peak at the packaging, we weren't able to view the bottle inside or sample the whisky in this particular release. However, brand notes highlight watermelon, peach kernels, and fresh almonds on the nose. (The peach especially is a familiar aroma for those who have tasted 25+ year Glenrothes releases.) The palate is big on ripe melon, rose water, and tea, with an undercurrent of oak before a fragrant and sweet finish.
The Glenrothes 51 officially released on March 20th. Happy hunting—and hammering—to those searching for a bottle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
21-06-2025
- Forbes
The World's Best Selling Scotch Whisky—According To The 2025 Brand Champions
Johnnie Walker Blue Label remains one of the world's highest regarded—and top-selling—labels of ... More premium blended Scotch whisky. The Brand Champions is an annual report revealing and analyzing the top-selling labels of liquor in any given year. Since it debuted back in 2014 it has provided a reliable and informative snapshot--not just of individual brands--but of the general trajectory of the industry as a whole. Last year, for example, total volume sales of spirits increased a modest 1.4% over 2022 numbers. Not great. But not terrible. This year, roughly half of the top 150 brands listed in the communique reported a decline, leading its publisher to label the landscape as one of 'perma-crisis.' We promise you, though, it's not all doom and gloom for booze. Just take a look at the top-selling scotch whiskies for some spirited reassurance. The reigning brand champion in the category is Johnnie Walker, which has dominated global whiskey sales throughout the 21st Century. Yes, it's overall sales dipped slightly year-over-year (21.6 million cases sold in 2024 versus 22.1 million in 2023), but its numbers are up some 50% since 2020. It underscores the point that people around the world are still consuming whisky at near-record numbers. It's merely the rate of growth that has slowed--which was never fully sustainable anyway, given its astronomical trajectory across the 2010s. And while other less-nimble whiskey brands might be losing some market share to tequila, or even non-alcoholic offerings, Johnnie Walker has bucked that movement by continually carving out new audiences across a wide spectrum of drinkers--from fans of the top shelf to the well. For mass appeal, Red Label remains the crowd favorite. The most affordable liquid in the portfolio is non-aged-stated, retails for $25 a bottle and has been the world's best-selling scotch since the mid-1960s. Joining it now is Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, priced at around $45 per bottle. Officially released in March of 2025, it's intended as a slightly upmarket, yet eminently accessible expression. The brand's master blender, Dr. Emma Walker, describes it as a sweeter blend with red berry notes. This flavor profile, along with sleek packaging, suggests it will be aimed at nightlife crowds that might otherwise be looking for vodka or tequila while ordering bottle service. Even on the ultra-premium end of the divide, Dr. Walker has signaled a willingness to meet modern drinkers where they are. Her first limited edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ice Chalet, came out last October and was an immediate hit with Gen Z and Millennial demographics. It's a lighter, more refreshing variant of the beloved top shelf staple, and yet its core DNA--robust depth and gentle smoke--remains discernible. In other words, it can win over newcomers without alienating the loyal legions. And when it comes to sustaining the ultra-high net worth consumers, Johnnie Walker seems better positioned in 2025 than ever before. It just launched its own bespoke Vault program earlier in the year, where deep pocketed fans of the whisky can travel directly to Scotland and pay upwards of £50,000 to develop their own bottling in conjunction with Dr. Walker, herself. Additionally, parent company Diageo launched a dedicated luxury division late last year. And so, for the world's top-selling brand of scotch, at least, the current state of the industry should hardly be characterized as a crisis. The full 36-page report of 2025 Brand Champions can be found here. LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: A general view of the atmosphere at the launch of the Johnnie Walker ... More Blue Label Ice Chalet at Selfridges on October 29, 2024 in London, England. (Photo byfor Johnnie Walker Blue Label)
Forbes
15-06-2025
- Forbes
Whisky In Edinburgh: Your Guide To The City's Best Spots
The Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky experience in Edinburgh is a multi-floor whisky ... More extravaganza that cost over $200 million to build. Edinburgh's historic relationship with whisky runs deep. Following the Industrial Revolution and throughout the 19th century, Scotland's capital was a major Scotch whisky player. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was home to influential names like Andrew Usher, John Crabbie, and other grocers who became helped Scotch whisky become a global product by pioneering the first blends, making Edinburgh a major export hub for whisky at the time. At its height, the city was full of bonded warehouses, and its port in Leith was funnelling whisky to markets all over the world. Over time, the industrial aspects moved elsewhere. As whisky tourism emerged as an industry in the 90s, Edinburgh was mostly a place to fly into before heading out to places like Islay or Speyside. But in recent years, things have shifted again. A new generation of distilleries, bars, shops, and bottlers have brought fresh energy to the city's whisky culture. You can now taste experimental new make at one end of the city and sip a dram in a historic pub at the other. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, Edinburgh now offers truly world class whisky experiences and opportunities to try the best whiskies available —without ever having to leave the city limits. So here's a little guide to help you decide where you should find a drink or few. Holyrood Distillery is in the center of Edinburgh. Whisky-making has returned to Edinburgh in a tangible way, with a handful of working distilleries now operating within the city. Each brings its own approach, adding welcome diversity to the capital's whisky landscape. Holyrood Distillery, located just a stone's throw from Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile, is a good place to start. This urban distillery is a true pioneer with its exploration of new make spirit (the clear, vodka-like liquid that goes into a cask and eventually becomes whisky). Visitors are encouraged to taste their way through different types of new make, exploring different yeast strains and grain varietals used. The variety is impressive, and it gives a hands-on look at how small changes in production can lead to significant shifts in flavor and aroma. Across town at the Leith waterfront, the Port of Leith Distillery offers something equally distinctive. Built vertically over several floors, it's one of the most unique distillery layouts in Scotland. The gravity-fed production system is clever, but what really stands out is the rooftop bar. With views stretching across the city, it's as much a destination for whisky drinkers as it is for tourists. Then there's the North British Distillery, one of the largest grain whisky producers in the country. You won't find tours or tastings here, but its presence is unmistakable—it's responsible for the malty aroma that you'll often smell in the city. Similarly, Bonnington Distillery, home to the revived Crabbie's brand, doesn't offer public access, but it's a significant part of the city's distilling resurgence. Together, these four sites, two public-facing, two working behind the scenes, establish Edinburgh as a whisky-producing city once more. Royal Mile Whiskies is one of Edinburgh best-known whisky shops. Edinburgh's whisky shops are some of the best in the country. Each offers a different atmosphere and focus, and all are within walking distance if you fancy a whisky-themed stroll through the city. Royal Mile Whiskies is probably the most iconic of the bunch. Right on the High Street across the street across from the St. Giles Cathedral, this well-established shop is friendly, well-stocked, and staffed by people who really know their stuff. You'll find everything from core range classics to single cask oddities, and it's a reliable place for gifts, tasting sets, and unique bottlings you may not find anywhere else. Walk down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament and you'll find Cadenhead's, Scotland's oldest independent bottler. They stock only their own bottlings—mostly single cask whiskies sourced from distilleries across Scotland, often at cask strength. If you're hunting for something distinctive and unusual, this is the place to go. Just next to the Waverley train station you'll also find Jeffrey St. Whisky and Tobacco, which offers a curated, boutique feel. Alongside a strong selection of whisky, it also stocks high-quality cigars and pipe tobacco. They host regular tastings too, which are well-run and feature some phenomenal selections. Robert Graham, with shops on both the Royal Mile and near Princes St on the western side of the center of the city, is also an independent bottler in its own right and also offers cigars. Cask & Vine on the Royal Mile is a new bar serving superb whiskies. There's no shortage of good spots when it comes to drinking whisky in Edinburgh—whether you're looking for rare single casks or a relaxed pub atmosphere. A standout is the award-winning Kaleidoscope Bar in the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Queen St. clubhouse. This is the public-facing side of the members' club and one of the best places in the city to try single cask whiskies. All the bottles are exclusive to the SMWS— which is famous for not providing any distillery labels. Each bottle features a numeric code which indicates the distillery its from and unique descriptions written up by its tasting panel, a refreshing way to try whisky without any prior expectations about a brand. In the Old Town, Bow Bar and the Ensign Ewart offer excellent selections in more central locations. All have long-standing reputations and a superb stock that will meet the requirements of the most demanding connoisseur. A more recent addition worth noting is Cask & Vine, also located right on the Royal Mile. A new bar linked with Jeffrey St. Whisky and Tobacco, it boasts an impressive whisky selection, nibbles and also the possibility of enjoying an olive oil tasting if not in a drinking mood. Also located in the heart of Old Town, The Lost Close is something different altogether. This tucked-away venue is part tasting room, part historical site, located within the centuries-old catacombs of the city. You'll need to book in advance to take part in one of their guided whisky tastings, but it's worth it for the intimate setting and carefully curated drams. The bar selection isn't huge, but very classy and well-curated. Further afield, The Canny Man's in Morningside is a famously eccentric pub running since the 19th century with a whisky list as eclectic as its décor, while the excellent Tipsy Midgie, located close to Holyrood Distillery, regularly hosts tasting events. Over in Gorgie, The Athletic Arms, also known as Diggers, is a bit of a local secret, maybe because of its location slightly outside the city centre. It doubles as a world class bar featuring hundreds of whiskies at extremely competitive prices but also as one of the top pub headquarters for local football (soccer) team Hearts of Midlothian, with plenty of pictures of past players and jerseys proudly hung all over the pub. In a different category altogether are the two big attractions aimed at whisky newcomers and broader audiences. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the flashiest of the lot—a £150 million multi-floor whisky center with guided tastings, high-tech exhibits, and a rooftop bar with sweeping views. It's a sleek, brand-forward experience that emphasises storytelling and accessibility more than geeky detail, but it does it extremely well. Not to be left behind is the Scotch Whisky Experience located right next to Edinburgh Castle. It's recently undergone a refurbishment, refreshing its long-running tour experience. It's still the go-to for families or those new to whisky, combining sensory exhibits, guided tastings, and one of the largest whisky collections in the world. Gleann Mòr Spirits are one of Edinburgh's well-established indie bottlers. Connoisseurs know very well that some of the best whiskies you can find and try come from independent bottlers, businesses that purchase casks from distilleries or brokers and release their own whiskies. Edinburgh supports a small but varied group of independent bottlers, and to be able to try these Edinburgh bottlers' superb whiskies in the capital is a nice thing to be able to check off the whisky to-do list. Look out for bottles and drams from Fragrant Drops, The Whisky Cellar, Woodrow's of Edinburgh, and Gleann Mór. But one of the most distinctive new Edinburgh whisky businesses is Woven, a blending house based in Leith. Rather than bottling single casks, Woven focuses on small batch blends, each created with a clear flavor concept in mind. It's a modern take on Edinburgh's blending tradition, brought back with a fresh aesthetic and an open approach to flavour profiling. Edinburgh might not have the rural romance of Islay or the distillery density of Speyside, but it's quietly become one of the most impressive whisky destinations in Scotland. With working distilleries, top-tier bars, specialist shops, and a strong network of independent bottlers and blenders, the city offers a rounded experience that blends history with modern creativity. Whether you're sipping rooftop drams in Leith or discovering a new cask-strength gem in a hidden bar, Edinburgh's whisky scene has never been more exciting. This guide, while covering a lot of the good stuff, isn't fully comprehensive - many bars in the city have a great whisky selection and there's excellent shops all over. For any whisky tourist, the capital is no longer just a stopover, it's a destination in its own right.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Newsweek
Luigi Mangione Says He's Thankful for Conservatives
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan, said in an electronic communication sent from jail that he was thankful for conservatives. In the June 3 message sent from MDC Brooklyn and obtained by TMZ, Mangione lists 27 things he is grateful for, in recognition of his 27th birthday last month. The 23rd item on the list is "the conservatives, who fiercely conserve the aspects of our society that make us great." He also thanks "the liberals, who liberate us from the outdated aspects of our society that prevent us from being greater." Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and leading authorities on a five-day search, appears in court for a hearing on February 21, 2025, in New York. Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and leading authorities on a five-day search, appears in court for a hearing on February 21, 2025, in New York. Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool, File Why It Matters Mangione faces federal charges and state charges in New York and Pennsylvania in the killing of Thompson. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. What To Know Mangione opened the list by thanking his family, friends and "the many talented and generous individuals who—if not for my current predicament—I never would've crossed paths with." He also thanked people for sending letters, where they share fears, triumphs, advice and other aspects of their lives. "The monotony of my physical environment is offset by the variety and richness of the lives I experience through letters: multi-page life stories, retellings of workplace conversations, stream of consciousness journal entries," Mangione wrote. Mangione said he is grateful for the MDC Mail Room, which has processed thousands of letters from more than 40 countries. He also gave a nod to memes, the books that have been sent to him, and independent media and creators. The letter reveals information about Mangione's cellmate, who is identified only as "J." "Despite spending half of every day inside a shared birdcage and being sentenced to a decade away from his six kids who he loves—[he] tolerates the clutter of all my papers, shares his unique wisdom, and doesn't hesitate to humble me when I need it," Mangione said. The MDC staff and correctional officers are "nothing like 'The Shawshank Redemption' or 'The Stanford Prison Experiment,'" Mangione said. He said there is the "minor occasional dissent," but they are "largely there to help." Mangione said he is grateful for "Chicken Thursdays" and keyboard shortcuts. He thanked the people who have contributed more than $1 million to his legal defense fund. He said he is grateful for Friedman Agnifilo and the rest of his legal team. Mangione also lists "Latinas for Mangione," people who donated to his commissary account, the Federal Bureau of Prisons music catalogue, the trials he has endured, his "lucky long sleeve," hearts, creatives, being born in America and free speech as things he is grateful for. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in Mangione's federal case. What People Are Saying Luigi Mangione, in his message: "I spend each day between the same four walls of my unit, where I receive both holiday cards sent in December and birthday cards sent between March and May, creating a bizarre and disorienting Groundhog Day scenario where every day is both Christmas and my May 6th birthday. Nonetheless, I'm incredibly grateful." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in an April 1 statement: "Luigi Mangione's murder of Brian Thompson—an innocent man and father of two young children—was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America." Defense Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, in an April 1 statement: "While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government moves to commit the pre-meditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi." What Happens Next Mangione's next appearance in state court is scheduled for September 16. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on December 5. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
