The Wine Merchant’s Collection contains Glenrothes 1992 whiskies that were matured until 2014 in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in wine (and rum) casks from respected houses, in this case the sherry bodega Lustau.
Berry Bros. & Rudd, owner of The Glenrothes at the time, has long-standing relationships with some of the world’s leading wine and spirits producers. Other expressions in this series were finished in Graham’s and Warre’s Port casks, Beaucastel or Ridge Vineyards casks, and St. Lucia casks among other. More information in my announcement from April 2017.
This Oloroso cask has pretty much the lightest colour of the whole series.
Glenrothes 24 yo 1992 (55,2%, OB 2016, Lustau American oak Oloroso finish, cask #01, 648 btl.)
Glenrothes 24 yo 1992 (55,2%, OB 2016, Lustau American oak Oloroso finish, cask #01, 648 btl.)Nose: there’s a bit of a brandy feel to it, with a plain maltiness and a relatively subdued sherry character. Toffee with rather big citrusy notes (aromatic lemons and rubbed orange skin). Slightly burnt vanilla cake and golden raisins. Touches of leather. Hints of pepper and nutmeg.
Mouth: fairly creamy, with plenty of orange marmalade. However there’s a growing winey tang, with a slightly bitter edge. Very young Oloroso, with hardly any (dried) fruits. Mint and cloves. A hint of herbal liqueur.
Finish: medium, with just a hint of sweeter orange and raisins and underlying spices.
Not bad, but it’s much more winey than sherried, if that makes sense, hence less to my liking. I find it overpriced as well. Available from Master of Malt among others.
Score: 78/100