The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve Single Malt Scotch Review & Tasting Notes

Founded in 1878 adjacent to the Burn of Rothes, The Glenrothes is a Speyside distillery that has a history built on multiple disasters. On December 28, 1879, just as the first newmake came off the still, the nearby Tay Bridge collapsed due to high winds and less-than-stellar quality. In December 1897, just after a significant distillery upgrade was underway, a fire broke out and damaged most of it. A mere six years later, the distillery suffered a severe explosion.  Then, in 1922, another fire broke out, destroying 200,000 gallons of distillate. In 1962, the distillery had another major fire. To make hay from bad luck, the owners used it as a catalyst for expansion each time a fire occurred.

 

The Glenrothes sources its water from The Fairies Well (also called The Ladies’ Well). So essential to the production, the distillery purchased all of the surrounding lands to protect it from adulteration.

 

“The Glenrothes is a hands-on, no frills distillery. From the people in the mashing room and the stillhouse, to the warehouse workers and the room where our Master Whisky Maker noses and samples the freshly drawn spirit, every one who works here contributes their passion and expertise towards a common goal.” – The Glenrothes

 

Today I’m sampling its Bourbon Cask Reserve. Originally called Alba Reserve, this single malt spent its years solely in former Bourbon barrels. The rebranding occurred in 2016 to simplify things and help consumers understand what’s in the bottle.

 

Moreover, The Glenrothes intended to attract Orthodox Jews to the brand, as it is the distillery’s first certified-kosher expression and lacked any sherry cooperage. It carries no age statement, is naturally colored, and bottled at 40% ABV (80°). It is easy on the wallet; you can expect to pay around $45.00 for a 750ml package.  I found a taster bottle at a liquor store in Chicagoland last year.

 

Let’s #DrinkCurious and figure out if this whisky is worthwhile.

 

Appearance:  Sampled neat in my Glencairn glass, this single malt Scotch was the color of pale straw. A heavy rim led to crooked, thick legs that crashed back to the pool.

 

Nose: A blast of coconut macaroon detonated. Once it subsided, I picked out lemon zest, toasted nuts, and light oak. As I drew the air into my mouth, it was heavy with more coconut macaroon.

 

Palate:  A medium but creamy texture offered coconut, almond, and vanilla notes on the front of my palate. Boysenberry came next, with dark chocolate and big cinnamon spice. The back featured barrel char, white pepper, then tamed with Nutella.

 

Finish:  Medium-to-long in duration, heavily-charred oak and white pepper added a wave of spiciness while menthol cooled it somewhat.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust:  The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve is unusual for a simple Speyside whisky. Sweetness is expected. Big spice, not so much. Something, however, seemed disjointed. There was a lack of a natural flow concerning the flavors. It isn’t an unpleasant Scotch; it is just missing something. I believe it is priced correctly, yet, it is one you’ll want to try at a Bar before committing to a bottle. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.