The Glenrothes has unveiled a new luxury Scotch whisky expression: The Glenrothes 40 Year Old.

Maturing in cask since December 1978, The Glenrothes 40 Year Old began life in copper stills that have since retired. The spirit then aged in a combination of sherry-seasoned and ex-bourbon oak casks.

The resulting single malt is resinous and rich in sweetness, with a spicy edge and naturally deep ruby color, the company says. With aromas of orange oil, peach, cedar wood and almond, The Glenrothes 40 Year Old has flavors of sultanas, cinnamon and nutmeg, finishing with spice and oak tannins.

“Forty years ago The Glenrothes distillery was different in many ways, yet our whisky character has remained unchanged,” says Gordon Motion, The Glenrothes master whisky maker. “The release of our new 40 Year Old single malt takes us back in time and celebrates the end of an era with the closure of the original still-house. It’s been truly rewarding to be able to incorporate some of the last remaining spirit from this time. The very fact that it was created in a place which no longer produces whisky highlights the real rarity of this expression.”

This is the oldest-ever release in the distillery’s 140-year history. The Glenrothes 40 Year Old is available now. Of the 594 bottles released globally, only 66 bottles will be available in select retail outlets in the U.S., at a suggested retail price of $4,000 each.

This follows a change by the brand to newer branding, plus age statements, which altogether help highlight the age and distinctiveness of The Glenrothes lineup.