Glenrothes Select Reserve

After dealing with the flu for a week (in which no tastings could take place, obviously), I've finally gotten round to trying two Glenrothes. My first encounter with this Speysider was an independent bottle from Wemyss, called Toffee Apples. I enjoyed that one very much. Today, I'm trying the Select Reserve first, a no age statement Glenrothes.

The nose is light and somewhat spirity, with raisins, rum and a hint of soot. Also some nail polish remover. Doesn't sound good, but it smells good, believe me. Caramelized fruit and some spicy (cinnamon?). Give it a few minutes and you'll get that nice round caramel Quality Street candy.

The attack is very soft and fresh, but watery. A lot of alcohol, which then moves over to allow some vanilla and barley. A bit of citrusy notes as well, but the whole remains somewhat flat.

The finish is short and dry, on nuts and grain cookies.

That the bottle is excquisitely shaped is one of the few good things you can say about this whisky. It's a bit of a lightweight, basically. An aperitif.

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