Scotland, Speyside. Distillery operational. Owner: Edrington Group

Despite a pedigree any distillery would be proud of, Glenrothes has maintained its exclusive and rare character. Remaining for over a century in the fold of the Highland Distillers company (Edrington Group), then the owner of Macallan, Bunnahabhain, Highland Park and Tamdhu, Glenrothes made a name among malt enthusiasts for the excellence of its ex-sherry casks, illustrated by the 12 Year Old released in the 80s and 90s. Although, over the years, the Glenrothes distillery and brand have passed from owner to owner (Pernod Ricard, Berry Brothers & Rudd), it has nonetheless maintained a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs, as is shown by the continual success of its 1972, 1973 and 1979 vintages, despite the majority of its production continuing to be absorbed by the blends Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse.

A Glenrothes distilled in 2000 and bottled at cask strength in 2007 for the Chieftain’’s range. Ian Macleod & Company Ltd was founded in 1933 by Leonard Russell Senior. It was bought by the Russell family in 1963 and Peter Russell took over at the helm. At the time Ian Macleod bottled blends and independent bottlings, including the famous Chieftain’’s range of single casks built from the stocks amassed by Leonard Russell Senior when he was founding his brokerage company in 1936. The business became Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd in 2003 after buying Glengoyne, which was later joined by Tamdhu in 2011 and Rosebank in 2017.