Glenrothes Whisky Maker's Cut 48.8%ABV 30ml

A NAS Glenrothes matured exclusively in first fill sherry seasoned oak casks - this is a solid sherried dram at a good price.

Tasting note: Deep copper. The aroma wavers to and fro from sweeter notes of fresh prunes, dried apricots and candied orange peel to drier scents of leather handbag, cocoa and light prickles of alcohol. Early oak and baking spice flavours develop before dates and whisps of vanilla. Extra kick from the higher strength adds depth, especially with the spike of intensity at the finish. 

Stock up on Glenrothes as it may become difficult to find soon. Sales of Glenrothes have been lacklustre in Australia  so the Glenrothes range may no longer be imported into Australia moving forward and they will focus solely on Macallan and Highland Park. In the past, Glenrothes and Balblair had quirky ranges that had limited edition vintages instead of age statements - it appears that Aussie whisky nerds preferred this old system and the promotion of a consistent core range in these brands hasn't really attracted a mainstream audience. Its like when a great indie rock band releases a pop song it can have some short-term commercial success but alienates their core fans. All the Edrington brands have plummeted in quality and surged in price -  Macallan and Highland Park are more focused on marketing themselves as promotional lifestyle products rather than as purveyors of the finest whisky. The quality of Glenrothes has actually remained quite consistent but it has not been promoted in the same way so it is not selling as well - sadly marketing wins over taste.