Better with AGE

As The Glenrothes lifts the shroud on its first-ever 42-year-old expression, we trace the evolution of whisky, the most exquisite of spirits.

- INDRAN PARAMASIVAM

Elegance. Heritage. Superiority that endures. Christened liquid gold for all the right reasons, whisky has come a long way since its purported origins as a result of an arcane form of Babylonian chemistry. It’s permeated the cultural whirlpool, stood the test of time and emerged as the pinnacle of refinement that any bottle or glass can convey. A ‘man’s drink’ no more, its revelations are enjoyed by a wider audience than ever before. Now, with The Glenrothes’ historic unveiling of The 42, we reminisce on the evolution of what many regard as the finest of spirit through the ages.

Monastery blues

In a particularly outstanding scene in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, Michael Fassbender, playing the British Commando Lt. Archie Hicox, reflects on whisky’s sacral power before bedlam ensues. Calm and exquisitely measured, he reflects: “There’s a special rung in hell reserved for people who waste good scotch. Seeing as how I may be rapping on the door momentarily, I must say, damn good stuff, Sir.” At which point, he takes a long sip.