Top-Notch Sherry-Inspired Scotch
There’s a tiny town in Scotland by the river Spey. They call it Rothes and with four distilleries operating there, it has Whisky embedded in its DNA: one of those Whisky-makers is the Glenrothes distillery with its history dating back to 1879. After 140 years, the artisans behind Glenrothes are still committed to creating no-B.S. fine single malts that have been the building blocks of the Speyside Scotch reputation for ages. Their house style is a warming and creamy Scotch, while many of their bottles don’t state the Spirit’s age, but a vintage. Glenrothes expressions are mainly matured in Spanish ex-Sherry casks or barrels that used to hold Bourbon.
Only 4% of Glenrothes volume is released as single malt every year – the majority is bottled as a Vintage or a Reserve. The 2004 Vintage is one of its kind, receiving 94 points at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, while Glenrothes Manager admitted it’s one of the best expressions he’d ever tasted. The 2004 was filled in American Oak sherry-seasoned casks and after 13 years, bottled at 43% ABV. Its tropical and fruity vibe is well-balanced with Sherry sweetness and nuttiness. Because there’s no heavy peat present, such features come through uninterrupted.