Glenrothes Select Reserve

This visually appealing bottle comes from its modest Speyside distillery located in Rothes. I appreciate that they still operate their own cooperage and their commitment to avoiding artificial coloring in their whisky. The Glenrothes Select Reserve's aroma presents a balanced mix of apple, subtle smoke, and clover honey, with hints of pear and lemon marmalade. No single note dominates, resulting in a very well-rounded nose. As it sits, the sweet jammy pear becomes more apparent beneath a light layer of smoke and creamy vanilla. This golden liquid has a light, oily texture. The gentle peat from the nose is the initial flavor, followed by plain biscuit, toasted almond, and lime. Smoke and pepper intensify throughout the tasting and finish, seeming to build towards a peak. This is unusual, as I typically encounter smoke notes that are strongest initially and then fade. Here, the billows of smoke that grow during the tasting suddenly cease, as if blown away by a strong wind. What remains is a long, lightly peated finish from its former intensity, which is warming. I detect subtle sour and vanilla notes, reminiscent of classic plain cheesecake. Due to its easy sipping nature and distinctive, playful character, this is the kind of pour that would be finished too quickly. The described reversal of smoke feels like a charming 'wink and a smile' that sparks my interest for the next sip. 8.25/10

This is my second Glenrothes, and I also enjoyed it, leading me to form a positive opinion of this distillery. It's bottled at 40% ABV and has a deep copper hue. The nose is very sweet and inviting, perhaps soft. It presents notes of almonds, caramel, dry chocolate cake, sherry, grape juice, those candies from formal events, dry brown grasses, and custard cream. Truly pleasant. On the palate, it begins with a cough syrup sensation, followed by some pepper and ginger, with a mild citrus or prune flavor. The finish is lovely, featuring crème brûlée, almonds, and a hint of tobacco, lasting a medium duration. Overall, I rate this expression a 91 out of 100. Quite good, actually.

This Speyside single malt is approachable but not very intricate and lacks an age statement. It greets you with scents of toffee/caramel, citrus, and pleasant touches of baked plums. Yet, some might find the occasional alcohol presence and strong brown sugar sweetness a bit much. The mouthfeel offers mild spice and sweetness, featuring honey, vanilla cream, and ripe fruit. The conclusion is brief, crisp, and a little dry. A decent dram for daily enjoyment, akin to a superior blended Scotch. RATING: 3.0/5.0 stars ≙ 80 pts → AVERAGE

Nose: Zesty citrus alongside smooth vanilla, hints of oak, cinnamon, and herbaceous spices. Possibly some floral tones and crisp apples emerge toward the close. Palate: A thin texture, with honey and vanilla preceding a spicy, peppery oak character. Finish: Toasted oak, a touch of grassy notes reminiscent of hay. The spice remains on the sides of the mouth, not the tongue. It's brief to moderate in duration. This expression strikes me as quite average. The aroma is pleasant and gentle, but the palate and finish lack significant depth. It's suitable for casual, daily drinking.

Smells of apple and cinnamon. A faint oak note and distant dryness. On the palate: Tastes like apple cider, caramel, with an oily texture. Finishing notes: Oak, cinnamon, and a little dryness. Overall: This isn't a complicated drink, but it's decent. It's easy to sip.

Flavorful and sweet. Vanilla and caramel are prominent on the nose and palate, and the finish is clean and simple. I considered buying this bottle multiple times before finally getting it, and I regret not enjoying it sooner!