Glenrothes 2000/2016 Review by Horst Luening

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenrothes Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: July 22, 2000.
Bottling Date: May 2016.
Age Statement: Approximately 15 years old.
Maturation: First fill ex-bourbon cask.
ABV: 40%.
Color: Golden.
Clarity: Slightly filtered, but not chill-filtered, with some particles visible.
Bottle Design: Specific design details not mentioned, but it's an independent bottling by Gordon & MacPhail, with a limited production of 242 bottles.

Nose: Sweet vanilla, ripe banana, apple, toasted malt. The vanilla is minimal, with a dominant fruitiness and some maltiness.
Palate: Sweet and creamy, featuring kiwi, grapefruit, lime, complemented by a charred oak edge.
Finish: Smooth and creamy with hints of lime.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a smooth spiciness from the first fill ex-bourbon cask, despite its lower ABV. It lacks the typical oaky and spicy notes, focusing instead on a fruit-forward profile.

Independent Bottling: Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a prominent independent bottler based in Elgin, Scotland.
Limited Availability: Only 242 bottles were produced, making it a rare find, primarily distributed in Central Europe.
Unique for Glenrothes: This single cask expression is atypical for Glenrothes, known for their vintage series and use of wine and sherry casks.

Glenrothes is renowned for its vintage series and the unique marriage period it employs for its vintage mixtures. This particular bottle, being a first fill single cask, deviates from the distillery's usual practice of using wine and sherry casks, offering a unique tasting experience.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "wonderful, smooth, pleasant," highlighting its untypical nature for both Glenrothes and Gordon & MacPhail due to its maturation process and ABV.
Luening notes, "This one is very, very untypical even for Glenrothes as for Garner MacPhail...the taste is wonderful and the aftertaste is quite long showing grapefruit again."

A rare, independent bottling of Glenrothes by Gordon & MacPhail, aged approximately 15 years in a first fill ex-bourbon cask.
Features a golden color, slightly filtered clarity, and a unique flavor profile with a focus on fruitiness over traditional vanilla or oaky notes.
Limited production of 242 bottles, primarily available in Central Europe.
Offers insight into the potential of Glenrothes whisky when matured in ex-bourbon casks, diverging from their typical use of wine and sherry casks.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited availability and unique characteristics.
Fans of Fruit-Forward Whiskies: Individuals who prefer a smooth, creamy, and fruity profile over the traditional spicy and oaky flavors.
Glenrothes Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring atypical expressions of the distillery's offerings.
Beginners: The lower ABV and absence of strong spiciness make it accessible to those new to whisky tasting.