Glenrothes Soleo Collection Whisky Maker's Cut

This aroma has some harsh alcohol but also pleasant hints of citrus and cherry. The taste is sweet and quite full, with a nice backing of sea spray. It has that pleasant high-proof warmth and sweetness. The sweetness, sea spray, and wood are very well presented here. This is different from, and also superior to, Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve. It's a very enjoyable spirit to sip. There's some really nice butterscotch present. Compared to Longmorn 15, the spice gives it a bit of a kick, but it's a good one. This isn't an overly sweet drink, but it has pleasant sweetness and many components. I'd say it's clearly better than Longmorn 15. There's some nice wood here that reminds me of Glenfarclas with its dryness and assertiveness. There's also some pleasant mild red fruit. There's a lot going on, and all the flavors are quite good. I think I'll need to try this again because it's really good. The balance is fantastic, and the minerals don't overpower. There's loads of complexity and it's very enjoyable to sip. What a great drink. This is substantially stronger than Strathisla 12 (Chieftain's) in a pleasing Glenfarclas manner. It's a great drink. There are many flavors here that pronounce "scotch!". There is a nice balance that allows several elements to stand out. It's a bit rough compared to Macallan 15 in terms of integration, but the flavor is very good and the finish is nice. There is vanilla, sea spray, fresh apple, a little strawberry, some richness from the barrel, and an appropriate amount of sweetness. The hint of smoke is just enough to add some scotch depth. There are some issues with integration and lingering bitterness, but there's enough flavor and complexity to make this a great scotch. Following Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14, the aroma has more seaside presence and might be slightly less sweet, but it's also a bit less smoky. The taste is harsher with a spicier bite. There's more of a sugar syrup flavor – or rather, there's less strawberry in the syrup flavor. There's a fair amount swirling around here, though I wouldn't say there's more than in the Quinta Ruban 14. Additionally, the lack of additional flavor in the syrup stands out more. There's still some smoke, vanilla, and salt. It still has some nice umami. I'm not sure if it's better than Springbank 10, though. It has a terrific base flavor, but it's a bit light. It's slightly better than Oban 14 in how it avoids sickly sweetness, though it is still sweet. Despite being a bit on the light side, the balance is quite good. This is a very well-executed scotch that could use some more intensity. The spiciness is essential in counterbalancing the sweetness.

Nose: An immediate hit of orange is followed by a subtle backdrop of mellow, oaked malt that transitions beautifully into a jammy, sherry-influenced fruitiness. A gentle hint of aged leather and some oiliness are present. Perhaps also notes of bitter cocoa and vanilla. This offers a lot, but it's cohesive. Palate: A wave of oak introduces brown sugar, dark fruits, and dark chocolate. A subsequent taste reveals vanilla, toffee, milk chocolate, and a whisper of vanilla. On the third sip, a peppery ginger tingle begins to build. It feels luxurious and velvety with an excellent coating sensation. Finish: Extended. Ginger and pepper eventually give way to a chili-like heat, which isn't ideal for me. However, before reaching that point, I detect more chocolate, some drying oak, and spiced orange peel reminiscent of mulled wine. There's a paradox here for me. The liquid appears straightforward, yet it possesses delightful complexity with much to discover. It's akin to playing a first-person shooter game with invincibility activated; I could navigate it effortlessly and enjoy it fully. Does this signify a quality whisky? I was very apprehensive about this generous sample provided by a respected contact. My prior experience with Glenrothes was the 12-year-old, which had an off-putting sulfurous aroma that made enjoyment difficult. I didn't encounter that here. This pour was crisp, clean, and invigorating. The increased alcohol content, around 49%, certainly contributes to its vigor and liveliness. It reminds me of Aberlour A'bunadh, which my limited notes suggest is a slightly more spiced (clove, cinnamon) counterpart. Frankly, this Glenrothes is superior and costs $30 less. Despite the A'bunadh's potent 62% ABV, this Glenrothes feels more approachable and easier to appreciate. (Pictured with a piece of Serpentine marble, formed approximately 445–420 million years ago from Durness Limestone after contact metamorphism from intrusive igneous bodies during the Grampian or Scandian orogenies. This rock is from Ledmore Quarry in Lairg, Scotland, about 120 miles from the Glenrothes distillery, representing the closest geological proximity I could achieve). Whisky tasting #95.

Nose: Immediate and prominent Oloroso sherry. It's a bold sherry aroma, and a pleasant one. Notes of orange, tangerine, mandarin, clove, sultanas, walnuts, dried leaves, and a touch of nutmeg. It's rich and, most importantly, pure. Palate: A semi-sweet entry, again showcasing Oloroso sherry. As it develops, notes of creamy vanilla, butterscotch brioche, demerara sugar, dark fruits, mocha coffee, red berries, spices (pepper, ginger), leather, and tobacco emerge. The oak foundation is clean, and the texture is substantial, engaging, and velvety. Finish: Medium to long. Fruitiness, orange zest, mild spice hints, and chocolate fade into a sherry-kissed, oak-driven conclusion. A well-made, young whisky aged in sherry. I often find issues with Glenrothes because the spirit can taste harsh and rough, but this particular bottling is balanced and remarkably pure. It possesses a vibrant, spotless, and exceptionally clean character. The main critique of this whisky is its lack of complexity compared to older, more refined expressions. However, it compensates for these limitations with its surprisingly clean profile and welcome absence of sulphur – a real relief! Not long ago, I sampled a Berry Bros. & Rudd Sherry Cask Matured Blended whisky, which unfortunately exemplified poor sherry maturation. It was an old-fashioned, tired, sulphurous sherry bomb, representing a whisky style that is thankfully rare now. This bottling, in contrast, is the opposite. It is clean, lively, and full of flavor. Despite its youth, it does not seem immature or rough. Considering the price, it comes recommended, especially for those who enjoy strong sherry notes. While I'm not typically drawn to that profile, I'll make an exception here. I tasted this from a bottle I purchased some time ago and enjoyed it so much that I promptly ordered another to add to my collection. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

I've never had a disappointing Glenrothes. This one is even more impressive considering I'm not typically a fan of Speyside whiskies. This particular bottling is from the Soleo range, recognized for its dried fruit notes and character, stemming from the "soleo" method of drying grapes for sherry production. This "Maker's Cut" is exclusively aged in first-fill sherry seasoned oak barrels. It's bottled at 48.8% ABV and has a lovely copper hue. Nose: The scent is amazing, stunning. Lemon, cinnamon, blackberry preserves, hazelnut, blueberries, tobacco, chocolate, vinegar, and even BUBBLE GUM. Really excellent. Following a first taste, notes of coffee and toffee also emerged. Palate: It's a pleasant drink. Wafer with chocolate, toffee, and pepper. A second taste was strong, with red fruits, cinnamon, and chili. It also gives the impression of a bourbon barrel that's been coated in sherry. Amaretto and oak spice notes are present. Finish: The aftertaste is nearly flawless. Grapes, very wine-like. A warming oak sensation, but enjoyable, dark chocolate, prunes, tobacco with a lingering bitterness. Oranges, macadamia nuts, and cough syrup. In conclusion, this is a skillfully made whisky. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It feels sophisticated, yet unlike other truly refined spirits, this one is highly intricate and engaging. The palate is good, but not quite as remarkable as the nose and finish. I award it a solid 93 out of 100. I would absolutely purchase it again.

Another "90" score, huh? Smell brings vanilla and sweet sherry. A sharp woody taste is present, which is somewhat unpleasant and evokes sensations of immature, unrefined spirit. There's even a whisper of banana. Palate - Tart fruit, smooth milk chocolate, some dried fruits, seasonings, and immature woodiness on the finish. In conclusion, this is a rather standard, no-age-statement sherry whisky. The barrels appear adequate. The alcohol level is quite accessible for immediate consumption, though adding water is certainly an option. It's a little zesty and young, but for $75, it strikes a good balance between the spicy and sweet elements. 2 stars, a thoroughly unremarkable spirit. I suspect those who prefer younger whiskies might rate this closer to 3 stars, and while the cost is still a tad high, it's becoming difficult to fault a bottle at a decent proof, with sherry casks, under $100 these days.

Tasted this after using PX as a reference spirit. A decent sherry-matured single malt, comparable to Macallan 12, Bunnahabhain 12, Glendronach 12, perhaps even less malty than those. However, it doesn't stand out in any way. I'd be interested in a cask strength or older sherry offering from this distillery. But I haven't encountered anything from these producers that's particularly outstanding yet. Their bourbon-matured expressions are mediocre at best, even at 22 years of age.