Winning Wine Wednesdays - The Glenrothes Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky

 

Last Wednesday I attended my first whisky tasting breakfast to sample The Glenrothes Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky by way of Scotland. The Glenrothes Distillery was created in 1879, largely due to donations from the Church of Scotland - the wealthiest "business" of its time.

I've been a sucker for a Scottish brogue ever since the Highlander Series came out and our delightful host, Mr. Ronnie Cox, didn't disappoint.

Cox, the Brands Heritage Director for BB&R Spirits (distributors of The Glenrothes) was in town to introduce the new, 1995 vintage and limited edition, Editors' Cask (both launching in store now for the holidays).

Before sampling the 1995 and Editors' Cask, we sampled the 1994.  Aged for 14 years before bottling in 2008, the 1994 expression has a pale golden, clear appearance with a bouquet of soft ripe fruits, toffee, and lemon citrus flavor to the palate.

The Glenrothes is unique in that it goes by the maturity of the whisky, not its age.

The 1994 will soon be phased out, so now is the time to stock up on bottles for your drinking pleasure.  It is best enjoyed after a light meal or to wine down before dinner.

Bottled in 2011, the Vintage 1995 was the first ever specifically laid in cask with the intention of, when mature, bottling as The Glenrothes.

About 30% of its flavors come from first fill American Sherry oak;1st fill Spanish Sherry oak; and the rest from refill casks that give the characteristic Glenrothes balance and complexity of flavour.

Boasting floral, citrus and butterscotch notes with a hint of spicy white pepper and cedar-wood syrup, it is an excellent post-dinner drink when conversation is in full flow.

The creme de la creme of The Glenrothes line is the newly bottled Editors' Cask.  Distilled in 1996, this whisky boasts a character of Sherry oak, spice, and dark chocolate with a warm, deep brown color.

Those fortunate enough to secure a bottle will be lucky, indeed, as only 120 bottles will be distributed!

In Chicago, you can secure your selection of The Glenrothes at Binny's.  Worldwide it is available from its distributors, Berry Bros. & Rudd (BB&R) here.

If you'd like to visit Rothes House in Speyside, Scotland, you may enjoy entering The Glenrothes Vintage Moments contest here.  Winners will receive a trip to Scotland to help make the Vintage 2012, plus a number of other great runner-up prizes.

Footnote:  If you hurry you can obtain tickets for tonight's tasting of The Glenrothes Vintage Whiskys at Irish Bistro here!



Photo credits: The Glenrothes, Exposure Public Relations