Two exceptional Master Whisky Makers and one extraordinary whisky – available now – Scotch Whisky News
There are only around a dozen Master Whisky Makers working in Scotland’s distilleries at any given time, which is a testament to the skill and experience needed to fulfil this vital role in the making of the finest single malt. Skills, passed down from one Master Whisky Maker to the next, that take up to a decade to acquire through long hours of dedication. At The Glenrothes Distillery, our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion was privileged to learn his craft from one of the legends: John Ramsay.
John Ramsay retired in 2009 after an illustrious career at the distillery, which involved him ‘nosing’ up to 600 samples every day in the pursuit of some truly extraordinary whisky. Before leaving, he passed the mantle on to his apprentice Gordon Motion, who had worked as his assistant for over 10 years.
But that was not the only thing he left. Along with his priceless knowledge, John Ramsay also bequeathed some precious stock to Gordon’s care upon leaving the distillery— ‘unfinished’ casks that he had laid down and left behind to mature. It was Gordon Motion’s responsibility to decide when to bottle them and bring his own distinctive vision to the whisky they contained. One of those casks is a distillery exclusive from our Cellar Collection, which today represents a unique collaboration between two generations of Master Whisky Makers.
Cellar Collection Vintage 2004
This special edition of Vintage 2004 from our Cellar Collection was created by our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion from casks originally filled by John Ramsay. It is an expression of The Glenrothes fruity spirit at a higher, yet complementary strength.
Bottled at natural colour and at 48.8% ABV from 100% first fill American Oak sherry seasoned casks. We’re making only 600 bottles available on our distillery shop as the perfect gift for Father’s Day.
