Glenrothes Dun Bheagan Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenrothes Distillery.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in two sherry butts (cask numbers 3642 and 3643) for 19 years.
Age Statement: Vintage 1997, bottled in 2016.
Color and Clarity: Natural color, described as very dark.
Bottle Design and Presentation: The whisky comes in a distinctive bottle, with the packaging allowing for a display in front of a green screen for added visual storytelling. The bottle's dark color is highlighted, and the cork is noted for its oakiness.

Balance of Flavors: Begins with a silky sweet taste that transitions into a dominant oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its hefty oakiness and spiciness, likely from European oak sherry butts, which contribute to its intense flavor profile.
Comparison: The flavor profile is akin to what one might expect from a whisky aged in first-fill sherry casks for 30-40 years, with a significant cask influence overshadowing the distillery's character.

Anecdotes: The reviewer, Horst Luening, shares a personal visit to Dunvegan Castle, the inspiration behind the Dun Bheagan series, mentioning a ghost story associated with the castle.

Historical Context: Dunvegan Castle, referenced in the whisky's name, is the ancestral home of the McLeod clan since the 13th century, located in the northwest of the Isle of Skye. This connection adds a layer of historical and cultural depth to the whisky.

Opinions: Horst Luening describes the whisky as "massive" and "extreme," emphasizing its intense cask influence and the unique flavor profile resulting from 19 years of maturation in sherry butts.
Quotes: "This is close to meat from the cask," and "the distillery character has vanished mostly widely and the cask has taken over massively."

Glenrothes Dun Bheagan is a single malt Scotch whisky, vintage 1997, bottled in 2016 after 19 years in sherry butts.
It features a natural, very dark color and a flavor profile dominated by oakiness and spiciness, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of sweetness.
The whisky is unchill-filtered, with a natural color, and bottled at 46% ABV.
The Dun Bheagan series draws inspiration from Dunvegan Castle, adding historical and cultural significance.
Horst Luening's review highlights the whisky's intense cask influence and describes it as a unique and extreme tasting experience.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Experienced whisky drinkers looking for a whisky with a strong cask influence and a unique, intense flavor profile.
Sherry Cask Fans: Those who appreciate the deep, rich flavors imparted by sherry cask maturation.
Collectors: The limited availability (only 1537 bottles) and the connection to Dunvegan Castle may appeal to collectors seeking rare or unique whiskies with a story.
Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals interested in exploring whiskies where the cask plays a significant role in shaping the flavor, moving beyond the distillery's typical character.