From the colour I’d say this Glenrothes 1988 in the Whiskybase Archives series is rather similar to the Glenrothes 1988 bottled in the Liquid Treasures series, but that was an ex-bourbon cask and this is said to be a sherry hogshead.
Glenrothes 23 yo 1988 (53,4%, Archives 2012, refill sherry hogshead #7318, 80 btl.)
Glenrothes 23 yo 1988 (53,4%, Archives 2012, refill sherry hogshead #7318, 80 btl.)Nose: as often with Glenrothes, sherry casks tend to give it a really spicy character rather than a heavy rum / raisin type of sherry. Light pepper. Fresher citrus and floral notes come out after a while. Sweet oranges. Baked apple. Sweet malty notes and porridge in the back, a faint strawberry note. Quite nice.
Mouth: sweet and spicy with quite a lot of fruity notes now. Cooked fruits (compote). Peaches, oranges. A little vanilla cake. Still quite malty too (Frosties). Evolves on liquorice, herbal tea, pepper and ginger.
Finish: medium long, spicy and sweet with a growing bitter edge from the wood.
Not much sherry influence here, I’d say. A good rounded, malty and peppery Glenrothes. Nothing mind-blowing though. Around € 85.
Score: 85/100