Maker: Glenrothes, Rothes, Moray, Scotland, UK. (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Region: Speyside- Rothes
Age: 14 y/o
ABV: 43%
Michigan State Minimum: $80
Appearance: Dark copper (possibly colored), with long persistent legs.
Nose: Sherry, oak, honey, alcohol, butterscotch, golden raisins. Water brings vanilla to the party.
On the palate: Full bodied and creamy. Crème brulee, more sherry and wood, toffee. Water brings out some curry spices and vanilla.
Finish: Warm and a little spicy. Butter cream, old oak, cinnamon.
Parting words: Glenrothes 1998 vintage is typically Speyside. The sherry wood notes are Gladys Knight and the bourbon cask ones are the Pips. It has heft that some of Glenrothes’ neighbors lack but still has sophistication and brightness they are known for. Wood is very present on the nose, palate and finish but it never drags the whisky down, it beefs it up. As you can tell from the notes, I think this works best as an after dinner dram.
I purchased this bottle of Glenrothes 1998 for a Burns Night celebration (for a much lower price than the current state minimum) and all of the guests who tried it, loved it. It’s probably worth noting that most of them were bourbon drinkers. At $80, it’s more expensive than I am usually eager to shell out but all in all a fair price for a malt of this quality. Glenrothes 1998 is recommended.
Sipology 