Review by: ZoidbergOnTheRocks
A couple of Glenrothes samples today. Not my usual flavor profile so this ought to be fun.
Tasted on 2/2/2021, neat in a Glencairn.
This is an old 5cl mini that I’ve had kicking around for a while now. I got it in a set of random minis from an auction years ago and I don’t know if it’s still any good or not. Let’s find out.
Distillery: Glenrothes
Bottler: Berry Bros & Rudd (BR)
Region: Scotland, Speyside
ABV: 43.0%
Age: 12 years old
Nose: vanilla, honey. Floral w/ lavender and rose. Eucalyptus. Caramel. Dry grass. Apples, berries. Oak. A touch of light sherry in the background.
Taste: sweet. Vanilla, honey. Some floral and herbal notes. Eucalyptus and camphor. Medium mouthfeel, a bit oily. Apples. Strawberries. Some oak. A smidge hot.
Finish: honey, floral, herbal. Vanilla. Very mild on the fruit now. Warm eucalyptus. A bit oaky now, with a slight bitterness around the edge. Fairly short finish.
Summary: I’m surprised how nice the nose on this is. Really bright, sweet honey, and some beautiful floral notes. The palate follows from the nose pretty well, and it has a decent mouthfeel for something at 43%. I feel it’s a bit let down on the finish: it’s pretty short, and here the oak starts to take over at the end. Overall, though, a nice surprise and a decent dram for sure. I will try more Glenrothes.
Also, I’m always happy when an old $3 mini holds up!
Final Score: 77.
Glenrothes 20 Year (1997) Signatory Vintage Refill Sherry
This is a 4oz sample from a bottle split a couple of years ago. I had a little bit when I got it, but all I remember is “sherry.” I’m usually pretty happy with Signatory as IBs go, so I’m looking forward to this.
Distillery: Glenrothes
Bottler: Signatory Vintage (SV)
Region: Scotland, Speyside
ABV: 46.0%
Age: 19 years old. Distilled on 06/02/1997. Bottled on 02/28/2017.
Cask type: 1st Fill Sherry Butts
Natural color. Non-chill-filtered. One of 3,750 bottles.
Nose: buttered popcorn, cream. Raisins, figs, toffee. Hazelnuts. Sherry. Chocolate. Dry earth. A bit herbal. With Water: brings out a bit of cinnamon spice.
Taste: buttery. Raisins, figs. Sweet, floral honey. Toffee. Nuts. Lots of sherry. A bit dry. Medium-thick mouthfeel. Some black pepper. Herbal. Strong tea. With Water: not as hot. Nice cinnamon warmth. Otherwise the same.
Finish: a big burst of sherry, wow! More of those buttery and honey notes. Dark fruits. A bit dry and tannic. Toffee. Tea. Nuts. Fairly long. With Water: a bit more spice.
Summary: this is quite good. Loads of sherry, butter, and honey. Dark fruits, nuts, chocolate. Some nice herbal and floral notes mixed through. Nice mouthfeel, a long finish. No off notes at all. It takes water well. It’s a bit simple overall, and it really is all about the sherry and sweetness here. Not really my jam, but I bet if you’re into sherry then you’ll really like this.
Final Score: 82.
Comparison
Order: 20 > 12
The 20yr wins on overall quality, flavor, and the sherry notes are quite nice. Still, I’m really surprised how nice the nose on the 12 is.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 