Description
The Glenrothes 12 Years Old
Taste
One of the distillery’s most recognisable expressions, The Glenrothes 12 Years Old is a perfect introduction to the luxurious flavour of The Glenrothes. The initial fragrance of banana, lemon and melon is delicately balanced with a hint of cinnamon. Matured in sherry seasoned oak casks and bottled at natural colour, the whisky develops the 12 Years Old’s flavour to its full potential: a sumptuous vanilla, melon and cinnamon nose.
Soleo Collection
This is part of The Glenrothes’ prestigious Soleo Collection, named after the sun-drying of the grapes in Jerez for sherry production. Sherried deliciousness is therefore at the forefront of this 12-year-old single malt, and the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition is apparent.
Nose
The aroma of nosing reveals notes of gingerbread, stewed apple and dark earthy vanilla. Furthermore, soft tropical fruit notes, with a hint of sherried funk to finish. What a sensory spectrum!
Palate
The palate plays with creamy hazelnut and dried fruit and a little cinnamon. Note chocolate, old leather and dried herbs, then Galia melon and honeyed oak.
Finish
Baking spices cut through more stewed fruits, resulting in a long, gently sweet finish. A mouthful of warmth and subtle complexities. Above is an edited version of the original piece. Click here to read the unedited version of this article.
Conclusion
And the Glenrothes 12 Years Old is an excellent example of why Glenrothes whiskies are so special: nose, flavour and finish have the glorious freshness of a ripe orchard, leavened with vanilla crispiness. Whiskey with notes of banana, lemon and melon, and a touch of cinnamon on the palate. That’s the classic house style of The Glenrothes 12 Years Old, bottled at 43 per cent, and one of the benchmark non-age-statement expressions from a distillery. Whether you drink it neat or with a dash of water, let the whisky linger on your tongue and enjoy the ride.