Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has for the first time unveiled a series of whiskies exclusively for the international travel retail channel. The expressions celebrate the spiritual home of The Glenrothes: named after the street on which Rothes House, stands, the Manse Brae range comprises Manse Reserve, Elders’ Reserve and Minister’s Reserve.
Rothes House was formerly the Minister’s home, known as the Manse; overlooking the town below, it was a place where the Elders of the Kirk would meet. The history of Glenrothes Distillery is inextricably linked with the Church of Scotland: the United Presbyterian Church of the nearby village of Archiestown lent the sum of £600 (equivalent to £50,000 today) to the distillery in its infancy, without which the distillery would never have been built.
The range comprises: Manse Reserve (43% ABV £33 / €40 / US$55) – approachable and accessible, soft yet rich, this whisky has been largely matured in American oak casks with the influence of some sherry oak also evident; Elders’ Reserve (43% ABV £80 / €99 / US$145) – matured for a minimum of 18 years, spicy with notes of coffee, wood and polish, this expression shows levels of complexity that can only be achieved by extended maturation; and Ministers’ Reserve (43% ABV £115 / €140 / US$225) – matured for a minimum of 21 years and redolent of treacle, Manuka honey, vintage marmalade and dark chocolate, this expression manifests the ability of The Glenrothes to develop great character with perfect integration.
Ronnie Cox, brands heritage director of Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits, expounds: “Interest in The Glenrothes at travel retail is very high, so this range is really a response to consumer demand. We have decided to celebrate our spiritual home and its long history with the Kirk.”
The series will also benefit from stunning packaging as The Glenrothes, winner of the World’s Best Design at the World Whiskies Awards 2013, enhances the quality of its presentation while retaining the distinctive frame and bottle.
The Manse Brae Range will be available in travel retail in the UK and European Travel Retail hubs as well as the following: Dubai, Taipei (and other airports in Taiwan), Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.
