Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/5037
A Year, in the Life of The Glenrothes R ecognized as one of the top Speyside producers, The Glenrothes is also one of the few whiskies that is made in specific years. The limited-quantity vintage single malts are rare, and when they run out, they cannot be replaced. Although the vintage malts represent only two percent of the brand's total pro- duction, they are a significant stand- apart representa- tion for the port- folio and always much anticipated by connoisseurs. We tasted a few of the vintage expressions with The Glenrothes' Ambassador, Robin Coupar. The 1991, which will soon run out, will be replaced by the 1994 next year. We sampled its marsh- mallow fullness, backed by an even sturdier lemon- tinged toffee. The Glenrothes 1985 was remark- ably creamy, with a dollop of dried fruit and cocoa notes that drizzled into a coffee cream finish. Over 30 years old, the 1975 of- fered up sweet vanilla and a Pear Helène dessert charm with a serious peppered- spice finish. – M.M. Skyy SpiritS december 2009 / the tasting panel / 59 Only 516 bottles are available of The Glenrothes 1979 ($1,000), and we had the chance to sip this "most rare" vintage. This prune-hued whisky had scents and flavors of dark bean espres- so, with just enough toffee to sweeten the pot. Robin Coupar of The Glenrothes. Photo Ops Legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell shows his "Kentucky Spirit" to THE TASTING PANEL's Meridith May. Hollis Bulleit is the daughter of bourbon entre- preneur Tom Bulleit, who was inducted into the Kentucky Distilller's Hall of Fame this year. "This is the highest honor given to Kentucky's legends of the bourbon industry," said KDA President Eric Gregory. Hollis Bulleit has taken on the role as Global Ambassador for the Bulleit Bourbon brand.