Spiritfilled started as one of these cask investment companies. We’re always a bit wary of these types, but today we’re focusing on their work as an independent bottler, started in 2021. Their Mythical Beasts series contains six bottlings so far if I’m not mistaken. There’s an interesting 32 year old Fettercairn and a 30 year old Bruichladdich, among others. Things we don’t see every day.
There’s also this Glenrothes 15 Year Old, a single first fill sherry butt bottled at a generous 55% ABV. It picked up a couple of awards already.
Glenrothes 15 yo (55%, Spiritfilled ‘Mythical Beasts’ 2022, first fill sherry butt #6155, 588 btl.)
Nose: nice sherry aromas, slightly on the dry side. Think sweet coffee, dark chocolate and cloves. Some minty notes as well, eventually leading to metallic hints (polished brassware) making it slightly thinner than it seemed. In the background there are some blackberries and raisins, alongside star anise and hints of cedar wood.
Mouth: a nice fruity acidity now, showing blackberries and cranberries, as well as some chocolates with a sour cherry filling. Quite bright, despite the fact that there’s also dry tobacco leaves, liquorice, clove and black peppercorns. Cigar boxes and roasted coffee beans in the end.
Finish: long and drying, still showing an above-average acidity. Coffee and dark chocolate stay strong, with some herbal notes.
The metallic notes and sourness makes this a slightly peculiar sherry bomb, but it works out nicely. Not perfect, but a refreshingly different Glenrothes from an interesting cask. I believe it is imported to The Netherlands by Spirits.services, the company behind Roger’s Whisky. For other retailers, better contact Spiritfilled directly.