The Glenrothes makes a range of fine whiskies, including the Select Reserve. This bottling is a rarity for the Speyside distillery, as The Glenrothes typically releases vintage-dated whiskies, like the 1985 and 1998. Bottled at 80 proof and lacking some of the character seen in its older brothers, the Select Reserve is like an entry-level introduction to the brand. But a good one, at that.
The Glenrothes Select Reserve pours light gold and gives aromas of vanilla, malt, ripe fruits and a touch of briny sea air. Take a sip and find lots of malty sweetness, vanilla, zesty orange and hints of peat smoke. It’s clean and medium-bodied on the palate, with very little astringency. It finishes long, dry and spicy.
The Glenrothes Select Reserve doesn’t quite match up to some of the brand’s vintage-dated expressions. And it could probably use a bit more time in the barrel to mellow out. But overall, it’s a decently-balanced, full-flavored whisky. It’s easy-going enough to be your nightly dram, but carries enough complexity to pair with a fireside cigar.
And at an affordable $35, it’s one of the better values in single malt Scotch.
Stats:
– 40% Alcohol by Volume
– $30
TO CEO OF GLENROTHERS:
FYI:
THERE IS NOT ONE BOTTLE OF GLENROTHERS, ANT VINTAGE OR AGE AT SPEC’S LIQUOR IN HOUSTON TEXAS. THEY ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF STOCK AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEIR SHIPMENT WILL ARRIVE AS THEY HAVE BEEN OUT OF STOCK FOR A FEW WEEKS IF NOT MONTHS.
THIS RESERVE IS THE ONLY SCOTCH WE DRINK AND TAKE TO DUBAI, SO PLEASE TELL US HOW WE CAN OBTAIN A FEW BOTTLES.
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE
T R BENKENDORFER, M.D.