Glenrothes 2004 15 Year Old (Old Particular)

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow Virtual Whisky Tasting, June 25, 2020) From a limited release of only 338 bottles. This is a very intense sherry-forward whisky. The nose is extremely (extremely!) sherried, which is not unexpected after 15 years in a single sherry butt, from May 2004 to November 2019. There is also a subtle funky sulfur aroma that carries through to the taste. The taste is, unsurprisingly, heavily influenced by sherry with notes of treacle, orange peel, ginger, and black pepper. The finish features orange and licorice. Adding a drop of water brings out some dry, woody, papery notes - like the sensation of licking an old book. For my palate, it dulls the taste but brightens and sweetens the aroma. Overall, it's an adequate dram. It's a true sherry bomb, but surprisingly lacking in distinct flavor. It tied for fourth place out of the six whiskies, receiving 5% of the total votes.