The Glenrothes 2001 vintage is the latest vintage from this distillery. It has been selected from a variety of casks to deliver a “conversational style”. Try to meet the wonderful Ronnie Cox if you ever have a chance. He’ll tell you all about the different “moods” they’re trying to create, and how a new vintage replaces the previous while recreating the same style.
The Glenrothes 2001 is the youngest offering in their range, and the first vintage of the new millennium. This is the European version at 43%. Apparently the Asian version is 40%.
Glenrothes 2001 (43%, OB 2013)
Glenrothes 2001 (43%, OB 2013)Nose: bright, with juicy barley, vanilla and icing sugar. Stewed apples. Fresh oak and honey, with some lemon peel top notes. Just a little butterscotch in the background. Classic Glenrothes.
Mouth: shy attack, it feels slightly underpowered at first, but it folds open nicely. First citrus notes (lemon pie, lemon zest), apples, then brazil nuts and heather honey. Orange peel. Growing spices from the wood, mainly cinnamon and nutmeg with a bittersweet edge. A hint of kirsch as well.
Finish: medium long, slightly sweet, citrusy but mainly quite spicy.
A nice, clean dram that’s both light, citrusy and spicy at the same time. Around € 55.
Score: 83/100