One of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels is teaming up with the world's most awarded single malt scotch whisky maker to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Gleneagles Hotel opened its doors in 1924, and now to celebrate its centenary, the hotel is partnering with Glenfiddich to release an exclusive and limited-edition whisky.

Only three bottles of the limited edition 49-year-old Gleneagles x Glenfiddich Centenary Reserve will be available for purchase each year, at a cost of £35,000 per bottle. However, it will not be available to the first customer to come knocking.

Instead, a bottle will only be available to purchase on request from The Still Room at Gleneagles from this month.

Daniel Baernreuther, General Manager at The Gleneagles Hotel said: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve been working behind the scenes with the Glenfiddich team, with the joint aim of crafting the ultimate anniversary single malt.

“I’m delighted that we can finally share the finished product with the world and I’m incredibly proud of both the delicious and unique liquid, as well as the beautifully intricate bottle and display case. This is a bottle of whisky unlike any other and I couldn’t think of a better dram to celebrate 100 years of Gleneagles.”

(Image: John Hersey) Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the single malt Scotch whisky is one of Glenfiddich’s most innovative products to date. its profile presents a diverse array of flavours, offering notes of vanilla fudge, creamy toffee and oak leading on to hints of beeswax and set honey. Matured for 49-year in a single Refill Sherry Butt, the spirit gives a rich note of creamy toffee and oak that is subtle but distinct, while the use of antique oak adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.

The anniversary release intends to celebrate the intertwined legacies of both brands, tracing back to the golden era of rail travel and a shared pursuit of excellence. The emergence of railway travel in rural Scotland opened the door for local businesses to offer Scottish hospitality and produce to London’s society.

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The bottle is presented in a striking display cabinet, hand-crafted by the Glasgow-based artist John Galvin. The case draws inspiration from the original art-deco interior style of Gleneagles and vintage train carriages, using polished burr walnut and bespoke stained glass encasing the bottle. The ornate case reveals a spectacular bottle bringing to life the articulations of the golden age spirit of the railway, luxury travel and the founding of two Scottish icons.      

Brian Kinsman, Master Blender at Glenfiddich said: “For the special release, we wanted to select a whisky embodying the quintessential Glenfiddich character: traditionally smooth and rich in fruity and ester sweetness, drawn from the 49 years spent cocooned in the walls of a Refill Sherry Butt.

“Collaborating with the team at Gleneagles, we've crafted a truly exceptional whisky that not only commemorates their celebration but also encapsulates the timeless essence and railway heritage of Glenfiddich.” 

(Image: John Hersey) The expansion of railway into rural Scotland was observed by the General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Co, Donald Matheson who informed the original vision for The Gleneagles Hotel. The Perthshire train station, originally built in 1856, was officially named Gleneagles in 1912 and made the journey from London to the hotel a seamless and direct trip.

The expansion of the railways into Speyside in the late 19th century also marked a pivotal moment for the Scotch whisky industry, enabling distilleries to take their amber liquid beyond the borders of Scotland.

To this day, Gleneagles has its own fully operational train station situated less than 10 minutes from the hotel.