Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
PHOTO COURTESY OF BERRY BROS. & RUDD The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malts are not determined by age, but rather by maturity. King explains, "We took a different approach, based on a wine merchant's vintage concept, and so only bottle when the whisky reaches perfection, which is why vintages aren't sequential." In addition to the Select Reserve ($52.99) and Alba Reserve ($52.99), current vintage offerings include the 1998 ($74.99), 1995 ($99.99), 1988 ($189.99), 1978 ($699.99) and the single Extraordinary Cask from 1970 ($5000). Various tasting notes for these treasures have evoked impressions including citrus, toffee-vanilla, orange zest and butterscotch. A new vintage, 2001, will launch this summer ($64.99). The pendulum of those interested in premium spirits swings hard today toward Millennials—and not just men, but a lot of young women as well. King sees the positive, noting, "They drink less, but drink better." A selection from The Glenrothes line of vintage-dated single malts. At Anchor, King's drive is a clear echo of his work with BB&R. "We strive to showcase the most interesting example of each category of spirit we can find, ones with fascinating stories, multi-generation family companies, artisanal products—and above all quality over quantity. We are liquid-led and expert-endorsed. And family companies want someone thinking about the long-terms. How are you going to leave the business for your children? You leave it in a better place than how you inherited it." PHOTO: JOHN CURLEY David King, President of Anchor Distilling. april 2013 / the tasting panel / 95