2003 Glenrothes Single Cask #5579 Australian Exclusive 13 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Glenrothes is a keen exponent of single vintage bottlings with only the top 5% of production from a single year accepted for these releases. Take that ethos one step further and you're honing in on the best of the best - outstanding single casks. This one was chosen by Brand Development Manager, Daniel Hutchins-Read who was intent on showing the Australian market what Glenrothes can be "...in its most raw form." It's also the first time Glenrothes have brought a single cask to Australia exclusively and it's also the first official cask strength Glenrothes in Australia (aside from the Extraordinary Casks edition). This whisky could make a lot of people very happy - unfortunately, that number will be in the hundreds rather than the thousands. Make sure you're one.

Tasting note: Distilled in 2003 and bottled at natural stength after 13 years in a first fill American oak barrel that previously held Spanish Oloroso sherry (the colour says it all). Brilliant deep topaz - a joy to behold. Thick legs down the side of the glass. Screams sherry, with fudge-like density to the nose; jam-packed with burnt orange, dried fig, walnut slice, raisin cake, vanilla bean and leather showing no loss of definition after 60+ minutes air contact. A chewy delivery with impressive bitter-sweet depths; echoes the dried fruits on the nose. Amazing balance at this ABV. Finish is tooth staining, creamy with hints of leather, marzipan and orange zest. Narrows out slightly in the aftertaste but a thread of sugars sustains the length. Fabulous Glenrothes. Borderline 96 points. 564 bottles. 56.6% Alc./Vol.