Glenrothes 1991: A Real Crowd Pleaser!

[jwise]

Among my good friends, Glenrothes is a favorite distillery. The Glenrothes '89 was given as a "Best Man" gift many years ago, and the various expressions continue to be a crowd favorite to this day. I have had a bottle of the 1991 (bottled in 2005, so 14yr) for a while now, and it deserves a thorough review. It is a fantastic whisky, setting itself apart from the pack time after time with those new to scotch and those who are intimately familiar. The Glenrothes 1991 is definitely a bottle worth its price!



Nose: While sitting down for this review, I was already catching sweet vanilla notes from this whisky! Wow! Upon proper nosing, I pick up sherry, vanilla, and warm nectar. There is just the slightest saltiness, but it is mostly just a reminiscent aroma, not strong at all. There are spicy notes coming out upon further reflection. I expect to pick out floral notes, as that would be typical of Glenrothes, but I am reminded that the character of this bottle according to the distillery is that of "berry fruits, vanilla, and butterscotch." This description is fitting, indeed.

Body: The whisky has a light to medium body; very smooth, oily and warm.

Palate: Spicy notes hit the tongue, as caramel develops around the sides of the mouth. This sweet nectar of a whisky envelopes the mouth with warmth, developing into a spicy pastry just out of the oven. The saltiness that was ever so slight on the nose is absent entirely from the palate.

Finish: Sherry finish, with plenty of spice, putting off a sweet aroma. Not dry at all. The spicy notes continue long after the whisky is absent. I find myself licking the roof of my mouth, wanting more!

This whisky is head and shoulders better than the Select Reserve, which I also enjoy. While the SR is richer, the 91 is crisper, with a clean taste, not muddled at all. Each aroma is unique, and each taste is true. However, the bottle prices are as diverse as the tasting notes, with the 91 being nearly twice the price as the SR.

I have seen the '94 and '98 in one of the larger stores, but have not yet had the opportunity to taste either. I have had the '89, but none of the older vintages.

[Jojo]

Great write up - thanks! I really enjoy Glenrothes 1991 as well as the 1987. However...I had the 1985 at the last Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza and it was fantastic! Of course when I'm scrambling to sample as much as I can in a couple of hours, taking a look at my quick notes, it says: "Delicious, very smooth, toffee, sweet, fruit, beautiful aroma. Creamy. Easily a favorite." I also had the 1994 and while their notes state: "The colour is pale golden, clear and bright. The nose if fruity with flavours of toffee and marshmallows. The plate is soft and fruity with lemon citrus. The finish is soft and fruity." Unfortunately, I didn't write too much on this one - just "nutty & slightly spicy." I had the Select Reserve in a (gasp!) Blood & Sand martini (Scotch, OJ, cherry brandy, & sweet vermouth) - it was excellentt!

[jwise]

I would like to get some older expressions, and perhaps a single barrel if I can find one, of the Glenrothes. I am especially partial to vanilla, sherry, ripe fruits and caramel/butterscotch (not a fan of citrus). Would you know which vintage expressions I should focus on? The labeling is not always spot-on for me, so I appreciate real-world experiences!

[Jojo]

Try the 1985 Vintage. Note from the Extravaganza book - "Rich mahogany in colour. The nose is fruity with raisins, sultanas and plums. The soft, smooth palate exhibits flavours of oak, vanilla and sultanas. The expression is rich and creamy with a long, medium sweet finish and cocoa and coffee at the end." However, I do see that Dave Broom mentions citrus in his notes ("Layers of complexity with honeyed rich fruits cut through with citrus and spice.") But he then adds in his comments, "This is head and shoulders above everything else in this tasting. Fills all the senses."

[jwise]

Imagine my surprise when I went to my local package store and FOUND a bottle of '85! They didn't have any shelf-space for it, but it was buried behind three bottles of the Select Reserve! Good thing I looked!

As opposed to the $39 price of the Select Reserve, the '85 goes for a 'bit' more (try $106!) That's alright. I knew it was going to be steep. I had some Christmas money in my pocket, so I bit the bullet and brought it home.



I now have three expressions from The Glenrothes: Select Reserve, Vintage 1991, Vintage 1985



My collection of three expressions is unfortunately short-lived, as it will only last for the next few minutes! There is only half an ounce of the Select Reserve left in my glass, and it is going fast!

[Jenflower8]

the Select Reserve is one of my fave scotches! i'm also happy to say they actually sell it here in PA as well.

[jwise]

I have been on a bit of a whisky trip, and found more Glenrothes expressions! I now have a 1992, 1991, 1985, 1984, and an 8yr bottling from G&M. I found a 1972, but I am still debating whether or not to buy that bottle! The 1979 I found will NOT be coming home with me (sadly), as it goes for $800 or so.

The Select Reserve is a great one to keep on hand, and to introduce you to Glenrothes.

[jwise]

I did it: