The Glenrothes has always been proud of the fact that we use sherry casks in every expression excepting the ex-Bourbon cask Alba Reserve expression.
Over 90% of all the casks used in the Scotch Whisky industry have once contained Bourbon. Sherry casks are made to specification in Jerez, southern Spain and cost approximately 5 times more for the wood than the ex-bourbon casks. We have always argued that the depth of flavour derived from these casks makes this policy worthwhile but we have never until now developed a first fill Sherry Cask expression.
The casks are predominantly of European wood which deliver a far great array of flavours than the American equivalent and in particular the resinous and dried fruit character underpinning the sherry top notes.
Malt Master Gordon Motion’s Flavour Notes
- Spicy ginger, orange peel, and sherry oak.
Ronnie Cox, The Glenrothes Brand Heritage Director, describes the Sherry Cask Reserve as :
- Deliciously cream texture explodes on the palate into a rainbow of soft spicy and fruity flavours held in delicious harmony with lasting sherry and Spanish Oak overtones.
Appearance: Burnished gold
Bouquet: Orange peel, fruit cake, vanilla, ginger bread, black cherries and pear drops
Palate: Spicy, ginger, oaky notes, crème brûlée
Finish: Lingering spiciness with orange peel notes