Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 North Star Spirits

Glenrothes, near Aberlour, was built in 1878 by James Stuart, who worked for The Macallan at the time. The distillery was hit by disaster no less than three times: a fire in 1897, an explosion in 1903 and in 1962 it was almost completely burnt to the ground. That did not keep the owners from rebuilding and distilling great whisky. Today we will try a sherry matured Glenrothes 20 Year Old, bottled by the new independent bottler North Star Spirits.

Wonderful candied nose with a touch of woodsmoke. Raisins, dades and mildly burnt caramel give it a profound sweetness, while a hint of Columbian coffee counters. The coffee comes with a layer of milk foam and dark chocolate shavings. Mocha ice cream! This is creamy, round and simply marvelous.

It is very oily and mildly piquant. Cloves and chili peppers. Both the coffee and the fruit return and make is very sweet, albeit with a bitter touch from the wood. But it is more than sweet enough to keep the balance, no worries there.

The long, spicy and warm finish leave your mouth completely dry.

Wow, this is a great Glenrothes. Especially the nose is out of this world! Recommended.

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