The Glenrothes recently unveiled a new range of whiskies focusing on the sherry seasoning of its oak casks. The Soleo Collection signals a departure from Vintages and Reserves to age statements and features five entirely new whiskies: 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old, Whisky Maker’s Cut, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old.
The traditional soleo process has inspired and given its name to this collection. After the harvest, the rays of the hot Andalusian sun beat down on the grapes, which slowly absorb its energy; the grapes change from bright green and yellow to deep purple, indicating the optimum time to start the sherry-making process. Subsequently, the sherry created is defined by these grapes, which in turn shapes the casks that define The Glenrothes.
The sherry-seasoned oak casks will continue to define the brand. Close to 90 percent of the casks currently maturing at the distillery have previously held sherry, 70 percent of these being first-fill sherry casks.
“The Glenrothes is a true craft single-malt. Taking things back to a vital yet simple natural process, this new collection allows us to tell a vital part of the story that hasn’t before been highlighted in this way,” says master whisky maker Gordon Motion. “We believe in sharing the inspiring detail in how and why we create the whiskies we do. The Soleo Collection does exactly that; making these fantastic new whiskies is testament to our commitment to craftsmanship and quality.”
Five new whiskies make up the vibrant new Soleo Collection. All are matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks and bottled at natural color — a badge of honesty true of all whiskies from The Glenrothes.
- 10 Years Old: A delicate and more subtle style of single malt, with notes of vanilla, shortbread and citrus peel. $45
- 12 Years Old: The epitome of the distillery style, with notes of vanilla, melon and cinnamon. $55
- Whisky Maker’s Cut (seen above): Inspired and shaped by the hand of master whisky maker Gordon Motion, using only first-fill sherry-seasoned casks and bottled at his preferred strength. Vanilla, orange peel and nutmeg character. $75
- 18 Years Old : A complex and well-rounded expression with a vanilla, pear and fresh-ginger character. $130
- 25 Years Old: Rich and intense, this expression delivers heady woody notes with a character defined by salted caramel, mango and coriander seeds. $500
The Soleo Collection is available now from spirits retailers nationally.
