Glenrothes 12 Years Oloroso Finish - Darkness!
Not so long ago, Glenrothes could only be found in blends such as the Cutty Sark or the Famous Grouse. Fortunately, there is now a good standard range with a wide variety of bottlings, as well as a large number of independently bottled single malts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the single malt reveals a tantalising bouquet reminiscent of Mon Cherie, with ripe cherries and dark chocolate. The opening is complemented by fresh strawberries, juicy blackberries and a subtle nuttiness, which is supported by a malty base.
Palate
The palate reveals a palette of flavours that pamper the palate. Juicy figs and pickled sultanas bring a sweet fullness, while a gentle bitterness balances the sweetness. Aromas of orange peel and cinnamon lend a pleasant spiciness, while a hint of sour bitterness gives the flavour the necessary depth.
Finish
The finish is long-lasting and intense, with a dominant presence of coffee and dark chocolate. Traces of dates or sultanas combined with a strong oak presence linger for a long time.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
This Glenrothes 12 Year Oloroso Finish is a true explosion of flavor, delighting with its sweet-sour bitterness and fruity notes that simply make it fun to drink. For anyone searching for a sherry whisky with character and genuine drinking pleasure, this one is definitely a bullseye – it certainly keeps your tongue busy!
Sascha 88/100
An excellently structured Speyside malt, whose balance between sweet fruit notes and a distinctive, tart bitterness is impressive. The complex aroma profile, with hints of orange peel and cinnamon, along with the long-lasting, oak-driven finish, make it a technically very well-executed Oloroso finish whisky.
Value for Money: Fair
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Oloroso finish influence the taste of the Glenrothes 12 Year?
The Oloroso finish imparts a pronounced sweetness to the Glenrothes 12 Year, with notes of ripe cherries, dark chocolate, and dried fruits such as figs and raisins. At the same time, it adds a pleasant spiciness through aromas of orange peel and cinnamon, as well as a long-lasting, intense finish featuring coffee and oak notes.
Why is the Glenrothes 12 Year Oloroso Finish bottled at 56.6% ABV?
The higher bottling strength of 56.6% ABV allows the whisky’s complex aromas to be perceived more intensely. Especially with cask strength releases like this one, the depth of the Oloroso finish is preserved, making the flavor more robust and multi-layered.
What distinguishes the Glenrothes 12 Year Oloroso Finish from other Glenrothes releases?
Unlike the classic Glenrothes standard releases, which usually have a sherry or bourbon finish, this whisky was finished by an independent bottler (Atom Brands Group) with a special Oloroso sherry finish. This gives it a more intense fruit character, greater spiciness, and a distinctive, long-lasting finish.