[November, 2018] Oops, I did it and bought a modern sherry cask release without checking it before in terms of the devil's p... (you know, what awfully smells of sulphur)...

...and hooray - this is clean sherry, thanks to the whisky gods (and Whisky-Fässle, of course)! It is a fine modern sherried dram but is it worth 150 Eurobucks... I doubt (nonetheless I know this is the price you have to pay for a good-quality sherry dram nowadays). To be honest, in my "drinkers-only" view I would not spent more than 100 Euro on such a bottle (knowing that no one will sell me a bottle for this price, unfortunately)...

What a horny stuff this Glenrothes! The wood is quite heavy and you have to like it. Also, the low alcohol content is not appropriate for the drop but that is whining at a high level. Clear Buy recommendation.

The color and viscosity of Glenroth alone promise a firework of sherry aromas. The nose surpasses my expectations with its incredible variety of aromas and is the absolute highlight for me because of its harmonious and varied nature. In terms of taste, the Glenrothes unfortunately flattens off a bit despite its powerful character. Although leather, dark berries, peach, sweetness and spices go to great lengths and keep coming to the fore, in my opinion the taste lacks a bit of volume and power. Perhaps this impression is due to the "only" 48.2% alcohol content, the alcohol is on the other hand, the entire time barely noticeable and harmoniously involved. The aftertaste is in spite of its spicy leather and sherry flavors slightly behind my expectations, maybe I expected a little too much even after this fantastic nose. Of course, the misery is at a high level because I really like this filling and makes the heart of every Dark Sherry lover beat faster. Again a great 1997 Glenrothes from the whisky barrel with a gorgeous color and nose. Tastes and I like it very much!

23/23/22/22 (90P)

A dark, intense sherry bomb that can compete with Glenfarcla's Family Casks and Glendronach Single Casks of the same age group.

The whisky lies wonderfully dark and oily in the glass, with a slightly reddish shimmer. On the nose wonderfully fruity and sweet with boiled red fruits, figs and raisins, garnished with orange peel and a slightly sour fruit note and hints of ripe peaches. A honey sweetness with forest honey aromas or already going in the direction of maple syrup and caramel accompanies the fruitiness. Some pepper and herbs are noticeable, but have no chance against this mighty sherry sweetness. At the back, the wood and leather are getting stronger, associations of dark nut chocolate are emerging. A really great nose if you like intense sherry flavors. It is more complex and multi-layered than many of the young sherry bombs from a wet 1st fill sherry barrel, which are often very one-dimensional and have no depth.

In the mouth with a strong start but not as full as expected, I therefore enjoy the whisky undiluted. The sweetness and fruitiness take over your mouth before it quickly becomes dry and spicy. The oak is now noticeable and brings a pleasant spiciness and dryness into play, which combine wonderfully with the fruit and sweetness and gradually gain the upper hand. Pepper, some cinnamon, licorice, the slight bitterness of walnuts (but without getting really bitter !!), coffee and dark chocolate. Not as intense and intoxicating in the mouth as in the nose but still very tasty. Would have expected him a bit stronger in the mouth after the excellent nose.

In the finish dark chocolate with walnuts, some sweetness and fruit like a MonCherie chocolate, only drier and tart. The sweetness and fruit remain on the palate for a maximum of medium length, the spice and tannins remain a little longer. Overall, however, not multi-layered enough to play at the top.

Overall a great sherry bomb. In a direct comparison with a Glendronach SC 2003 for Zanzibar filled with 12y in the PX barrel, the class difference becomes clear. Of course this is not a fair comparison but how much deeper, sweeter, darker, more complex the Glenrothes is was impressive. In contrast, the Glendronach looked like a flat sherry whisky from the wood department of the hardware store (not a pleasant wood, but fresh furniture storage wood from Ikea). Bring the comparison only because I had both in the glass and the difference was serious ... although Glendronach is otherwise my favorite distillery.

It is not enough for the Champions League, but the whisky in the mouth is not voluminous enough and the finish is too flat. But it is enough for a good 90 points. An absolute recommendation for all sherry barrel lovers!