Glenrothes 8 Year Old 2008 Jack Wiebers

I read in Ingvar Ronde’s Malt Whisky Yearbook that Edrington has plans to make Glenrothes their next ‘Premium Spirit’. Usually that means bottlings at higher age, but also much higher prices. Think Macallan and Highland Park from the same owners. Luckily there is still the independent bottler. Jack Wiebers from Germany, for example, released this single bourbon cask several years ago. The young age in this case is synonymous for a high ABV.

Lovely sweet nose on yellow stone fruit of every variety (apricots and peach in the lead) with a truckload of vanilla. Brussels waffles with whipped cream! Lemon juice and daffodils. A touch candy-like, but very inviting. You would not suspect the high ABV on the nose.

On the palate the ABV is doable as well. Good integration of the alcohol, I’d say. Again yellow fruit, but now with the emphasis on lemons. Lots of spices in the guise of pepper and aniseed. Again candy-like. Pineapple cubes. It cannot hide its young age. Some earthy notes and wood shavings. Ginger and liquorice appear towards the end.

Some caramel and more liquorice appear in the rather short finish, but after a few seconds only the burning alcohol remains.

Nice and affordable Glenrothes and bang for your buck thanks to the cask strength.

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