Chorlton Whisky Speyside 13 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

In the early 2000s, Glenrothes were filling casks at a higher than normal alcohol percentage in an effort to extract more influence from the wood. Usually, these were sherry casks and resulted in some massive drams indeed. This is one. Bottled at a mighty 64.6% direct from a second-fill sherry butt, it's a whisky to sit back and chew your way through. Grippy oak, wood spices and a flare of alcohol form the initial attack before picking up sweetness and texture at the finish where nutty barley, vanilla oak, muesli and spices peak. A brute force experience that retains good balance, it is undeniably engaging. Try with and without water. Due to stipulations in the use of the distillery name, ‘Glenrothes’ could not appear on the label. 64.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 368 bottles.

Notes from the bottlers... a more nuanced sherry character and letting the buttery Glenrothes distillate shine through. Nose: Werther’s chewy toffees and creme caramel. Honey joys. Palate: For 64% this drinks really easy, not hot for a second. Really chewy and creamy, with heaps of butterscotch like characters.