This limited edition 32-Year-Old single malt celebrates John Smith, who served for 32 years as The Glenrothes' Distillery Manager from 1897 - 1929. His story is a compellingly human one – about family, community, longevity and genuine personal affection.
From Queen Victoria to the Wall Street Crash and through three separate disasters and recoveries: a ravaging fire in 1897; an explosion in 1903; and then a further fire in 1922 that consumed hundreds of gallons of aging stock – John Smith led “ye jolly still boyes” throughout, pulling hope and prosperity from the ashes. All the while raising the next generation of distillery managers - his son and grandson - who would go on to dedicate a further 41 years to The Glenrothes Distillery.
Living on site in the Distillery Manager’s house: Glen Dounie, John Smith was not just a part of the fabric of the Rothes community but also intensely in-tune with the rhythms of the Distillery– the sights, smells, and changing of the seasons.
The Glenrothes archive holds a handwritten poem from the early 1920s, penned by William McKenzie who worked at the distillery.
It is a tongue-in-cheek poem filled with hilarious character sketches of his fellow whisky-makers. While most of the team are skewered with a searing humour, the portrait of John Smith is by far the most complimentary - a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded.
"John Smith he is our manager, in him we tak great pride. Search the country round about the like is no on Speyside."
Look closely at the canister of The 32 and you'll find the first stanza of the "Jolly Still Boyes" poem subtlety embossed across the façade.
The Whisky
The 32 is the taste of a by-gone era. As the distillery developed and changed over John Smith's career, so too this whisky has evolved throughout 32 years with evermore nuance and complexity. With only 7000 bottles in total, it is a whisky as rare as John Smith's character.
Available exclusively to clients and selected partners, click the link below if you'd like the opportunity to purchase this exquisite Limited Edition.
I'd like to add The 32 to my collection.
Step inside John Smith's Glen Dounie House, at the dawn of the 20th century.
Smell stewed plums and cherries just picked from the garden. Homemade treacle toffee bubbling on the stove. Brazil nuts and orange peel on a polished oak table. Open jars of powdered cinnamon and Earl Grey tea leaves.
Savour dried figs, dark chocolate and almond brittle. A bite of candied orange rind. The sumptuous lingering spice of gingerbread.
Luxurious and complex with velvety sweetness and depth.
The taste of a time gone by.
