Glenrothes The Macphail's Collection Whisky 40 Year Old · 1969 Vintage

Colour

Rich amber-gold with coppery highlights.

Nose

An inviting swirl releases lush dried fruits and polished oak, with orange zest and toffee apples, a whisper of clove and cinnamon. Rich sherry notes mingle with vanilla-laden sweetness, underpinning soft hints of talc and sandalwood. The aroma unfolds like a warm Christmas cake, with cocoa nibs and maple sugar, inviting slow sips.

Palate

Silky and richly sherried on the palate, with fig and raisin notes, bright orange zest, toasted almond and dark chocolate. The sweetness is elegant and restrained, supported by polished oak, vanilla, and a whisper of spice. At 43%, it offers poised warmth and a lengthy finish with cocoa, walnut and subtle wood tannin.

Finish

Silky and unusually long, the finish unfurls with sherried fruit, orange zest and dark chocolate over a refined oak backbone. Walnut, tobacco and gentle spice linger, fading to a warm, elegant sweetness and a final whisper of spice.