A Speyside Icon in an Extremely-Uncommon Single Cask
2005 Glenrothes 16 Yr Previous “Previous Explicit” Ok&L Unique Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Power Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)
“A completely stellar cask with tons of distillery character that continues to open for hours after your first pour.” — David Othenin-Girard, Ok&L Spirits Purchaser
Our associates at Previous Explicit have come by way of with a barn-burner of an Unique Cask. From one in every of Scotland’s most well-known blue-chip names, this 2005 Glenrothes single cask is a rarity to be coveted by any critical Scotch aficionado. As a result of distillery’s enterprise mannequin and model philosophy, it’s fairly an uncommon incidence to discover a Glenrothes cask on the impartial market, however it’s merely unheard-of lately to search out one with this type of age and in a top-quality, first-fill sherry butt, no much less. For sure, the spirits group is thrilled to the core with the completed product. For followers of the distillery, this stupendous dram has every little thing you’re on the lookout for. Purchaser David Othenin-Girard declares, “That is actually the quintessential profile from this distillery, its wealthy earthy character tempered by a top-quality, properly energetic sherry butt, with out being completely overpowered and shedding its uniqueness.” Other than being authentically Glenrothes, it’s simply an eminently pleasurable whisky by its mind-boggling complexity (particularly with a couple of drops) and its wealthy, decadent profile. David’s colleague Andrew Whiteley notes, “That is the form of enjoyable, middle-aged malt that basically knocks your socks off and reminds you simply how purely pleasurable Scotch is.” You’ll wish to beat a fast path to securing your bottles, as we don’t anticipate to see the likes of this once more any time quickly.
Ok&L Notes: The Glenrothes distillery has turn into one in every of Scotland’s most outstanding and recognizable through the years. They have been as soon as well-known for relying completely on classic releases. Located on the Burn of Rothes within the city of the identical title, it was based in 1879. The distillery is only a fast jaunt from the well-known Glen Grant and fewer well-known Speyburn distilleries, in addition to the notable nonetheless producer Forsythe. The distillery had lengthy been part of the Edrington Group and its predecessors, however in 2010 it was bought to well-known wine service provider Berry Bros. & Rudd in trade for his or her well-known, outdated, blended scotch model, Cutty Sark. After seven brief years, Berry Bros. bought the model again to the Edrington. Over the following 12 months or two, the model was retooled to maneuver away from the classic choices and towards a standard core vary. Often after we see shares exterior of the distillery releases, they’re supplied as a part of what would clearly be thought-about mixing shares, that’s to say refill hogsheads moderately than sherry butts. We’re very fortunate to have gotten entry to this uncommon expression, made even rarer by the change within the distillery’s personal line-up. The model is distinctly Glenrothes, not diverting considerably in character from the distillery’s different choices. Count on the traditional flavors of earthy malt and darkish sherry character that absolutely received’t disappoint any lover of this particular little Speyside charmer.
David Othenin-Girard | Ok&L Spirits Purchaser | Assessment Date: June 08, 2022
For those who’re a Scotch fan, then you definitely’ve nearly definitely come throughout a Glenrothes in your journey. The Speyside blue chip was famend for its unique devotion to single-vintage releases however has not too long ago moved towards extra normal age statements. It’s extraordinarily uncommon to see Glenrothes being supplied by impartial bottlers, and after we do see it, it’s usually outrageously priced and stuffed into outdated, boring casks. In any case, we’ve not bottled one in additional than seven years and by no means in such high-quality sherry. What so intrigued me about this cask, apart from the apparent high quality, was how a lot it really tasted like “Glenrothes”! That is actually the quintessential profile from this distillery, its wealthy, earthy character tempered by a top-quality, properly energetic sherry butt, with out being completely overpowered and shedding its uniqueness. The colour is deep copper/burnished (1.0-1.1). The nostril is a pungent combination of creamy vanilla and darkish, earthy malt. The darkish, woodsy sherry frames with a charred orange peel, roasted sugar character, and with some air the daring, savory spice comes ahead. Darkish Espresso Romano served with lemon rind, chocolate malt, butterscotch, candied nuts, and candy sugar syrup construct on the palate. The feel could be very wealthy. With the tiniest drop of water the nostril loses its earthy edge, providing sweeter confectionery notes and the nutty oloroso character. On the palate, the fruity citrus and dried raisin character now performs completely with chocolate Raisinets! A touch of mossy outdated dunnage funk reminds us that that is certainly Glenrothes, earlier than an extended, beautiful end full of honeyed sweetness and constructing spice. A completely stellar cask with tons of distillery character that continues to open for hours after your first pour. Extremely advocate some water right here, until you actually love the earthy facet of issues. If the distillery was promoting whisky like this, it might be the most popular rattling distillery in Scotland, however discovering a single sherry butt (or perhaps a cask-strength model of any form) is subsequent to not possible. It’s a horrible disgrace, however it’s additionally the great thing about the one cask market—generally a single piece will be better than the entire.
Andrew Whiteley | Ok&L Spirits Purchaser | Assessment Date: June 08, 2022
Hedonistic is the primary phrase that pops into my head after I nostril this whisky. It’s wealthy and succulent proper off the bat. Toasted crème brûlée, candy dates, sultry spices, orange marmalade, sandalwood, peach and nectarine, citrus zest. Shifting onto the palate, a extra dessert ahead profile emerges. Baking spices, cocoa mud, orange peel, candied nuts, a contact of savory herbs, and only a bit of warmth. At 57.2% ABV, it isn’t overwhelming however very pleasantly punchy. A drop or two of water and extra candied citrus comes forth. The wooden tannin takes a little bit of a again seat, however vanilla steps ahead. The end feels very traditional. It’s malty, fruity, a bit candy and herbaceous like wild mountain honey and candy tea. That is the form of enjoyable, middle-aged malt that basically knocks your socks off and reminds you simply how purely pleasurable Scotch is.
Austin Jenkins | Ok&L Workers Member | Assessment Date: Might 24, 2022
Caramelized brown sugar and baked cinnamon for days on the nostril! What a deal with! There’s a gift scent of chocolate shavings, a contact of maple additionally. Quite a lot of issues to discover right here! Palate is splendidly biting. Maple persists on the entrance and the end, some stone fruit additionally—ripe white peaches. Barrel affect just isn’t too overpowering contemplating its first fill profile. Beautiful shade too. That is a straightforward dram to get misplaced in!
Jeffrey Jones | Ok&L Workers Member | Assessment Date: Might 27, 2022
A sherry-aged single malt lover’s delight. This Glenrothes has a pleasant, deep shade. Within the mouth, it’s wealthy and full-bodied with a pleasant mouthfeel. The end is mouth-coating with great nutty and dried fruit flavors. With a bit water, it’s the identical as above however barely softer. I feel that one can take pleasure in this single malt with or with out water.
