Glenrothes – Quantum 40 Years Old (70cl, 43%)

This is a 40 year old single malt from Glenrothes, a Speyside distillery that began making whisky in 1879. It matured for all 40 years in a sherry cask and is bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. The bottle was designed and blown by craftspeople at Dartington, the British crystal maker, and its crown-shaped glass stopper is also handmade. The distillery describes soaked red cherries and marzipan on the nose, with a touch of maple syrup, orange zest and light cinnamon. On the palate come dark chocolate-coated almonds, dates, toasted oak and nutmeg. The finish is rich, sweet and complex, with lingering spice.