Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve

The official releases of Glenrothes are bottled in typical round bottles since 1994, as a vintage, meaning with the year of distillation on the label as opposed to an age statement. We are trying the Sherry Cask Reserve, however, which is a NAS and was first released in 2015. Glenrothes is famous for its use of sherry casks. This is their first malt that was matured for 100% on first fill sherry casks.

You will not be surprised to learn that the nose is honey-sweet, completely dominated by raisins, oranges and a basket full of nuts (both almonds and hazelnuts and a lost walnut). Having said that, I must say that I would have expected the sherry influence to be more prominent. This is a far cry from what I call ‘deep sherry’. It is pleasant enough though.

On the palate it is nicely oily, but a tad dry. I get loads of spices now, with ginger and nutmeg first, followed by a pinch of cinnamon and some allspice. It is less fruity than on the nose, but still very sweet. However, midpalate a bit too much tannins kick in, which is a pity.

That continues in the medium long finish that leaves the mouth dry.

I must say, this did not rock my boat. I had expected more juicy sherry, but this is anything but. I would rather spent my 50 EUR on something else then.

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