Glenrothes 1978 36 Years Old 750ml

About The Glenrothes 36 Single Cask Scotch Whisky Like all Glenrothes Exclusive Single Cask releases, The Glenrothes 36 Year Old aged patiently at the distillerys on-site cooperage in a sherry-seasoned refill hogshead cask. This individual cask was identified years ago as something special. When it reached 36 years, the liquid was considered optimal in terms of its maturation and flavor development, said Laura Rampling, Master Whisky Maker for The Glenrothes. This wonderful liquid has all the typical fruity character of The Glenrothes as well as notes of fresh almonds which are often apparent in our Old er editions. There is also a unique fragrance to it, including hints of rose oil and gentle spice, which are a product of its aging in this particular cask. Weve got a full accounting of the tasting experience later on in the article. ... The Glenrothes 36 Tasting Notes Im very familiar with The Glenrothes portfolio in fact, the 18 Year Old expression is a staple on my bar cart. But, honestly, what can you say about the 36 Year Old ? Its a bit hard to describe a whisky as interesting as this but Ill certainly try. Starting with the aroma. As you might expect from The Glenrothes, your senses are greeted first with a fruity character. Ripe peaches are quite present with additional hints of candied peel, sweet ground ginger, fresh almonds, and a hint of rose oil fragrance. That fruity character continues as you taste the whisky tropical fruits and orange zest is balanced against a subtle vanilla sweetness, light oak, and gentle spice. The finish is richly sweet as the fruit notes persist and remain gently fragrant. One very interesting thing to note at least from my palate is that although The Glenrothes 36 is 41.4% alcohol by volume (ABV), the initial aroma as well as the bite and snap it possesses on the first sip definitely suggests a higher, almost overproof, strength. I had to do a double-take of the bottle make sure we werent, in fact, drinking some overproof stuff. Far from taking away from the experience and enjoyment, this sensation invited me to savor the whisky in my mouth longer, as one might with a cask strength expression. -By BRIAN SACAWA May 2, 2022