Glenrothes (spelled Glen Rothes on some independent bottles like this one) has a big history in sherry maturation so it’s no surprise that this 1972 cask #12368 was a sherry butt. Based on the colour, I would say it was second or even third fill.
Glenrothes 33 yo 1972 (56,6%, Signatory Vintage 2006, sherry butt #12368, 549 btl.)
Glenrothes 33 yo 1972 (56,6%, Signatory Vintage 2006, sherry butt #12368, 549 btl.)Nose: not so sure… On the one hand, there’s plenty of fruits (tangerine, banana) with honey, but on the other hand there’s a faint sulphury / rubbery smell that I don’t like (fortunately it’s almost gone after 20 minutes). Hints of roasted sesame and moss. Nutmeg. Old roses. Beeswax. Pine needles. A bit unusual but very complex.
Mouth: quite a peppery attack. A lot of resinous oak and grapefruit. Tangerine again. Peppermint. Fades out on more gentle flavours like honeyed pastry.
Finish: rather hot, spicy and fruity. Quite long and intense.
A highly expressive Glenrothes, but it takes some time before you discover its strengths. Better enjoyed neat. Still available in several stores. About € 165.
Score: 85/100