Tastes

Intense fruit, honey and malt on the nose. Complex and intense fruit on the palate with a soft heat and luscious mouth feel. The age serves this one well. Although I do appreciate the 12 yo at $50, this is a fine step up at $78. A lovely Speysider that should be ranked 89-90 instead of 85 here.

I like the Templeton 4 for Manhattans and the 6 is even better. It really works as a mixer for some reason. On sale for $41 ($10 off here), so almost the same price as the 4, so why not? Would not buy at $52.

CASCODE gives an excellent and accurate review. I would add that I get some vinegar and pine tar (like retsina) on the palette. The soft peat is lovely. A very interesting and challenging whisky. Under-rated here at 85. As good as Ledaig at 90.

Lemon and malt on the nose. Silky smooth mouth feel carries flavors of tart lemon and rye bread. Soft and gently lingering finish. Not complex but nice on a quiet evening.

Pleasantly sweet fruit on the nose. Starts out promising on the palette with a solid base of fruit,wood and spice, but ultimately comes up lacking in overall flavor. The base continues through the medium finish, but ultimately disappointing. Does not hold up well in a Manhattan.

1995 vintage -- distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2010 (15 years old). Purchased in 2017 for $60. Intense nose of honey and over-ripe apples. Astringent fruit on the palette leading to a medium-length hot finish. Ultimately, a disappointment after the nosing. If this is the best of Glenrothes, I will pass.

Intense nose with raw barley, vanilla, grass, pepper, wood and Juicy Fruit gum. Spicy, fruity and nutty on the palate. Medium-oily mouth feel. Medium length wood spice finish with consistent and pleasant heat. Balanced experience from start to finish. A very good Irish whiskey, but I think I prefer their Writer's Tears.

Came across this on a recent trip to northern California, on sale for $50. I should have bought every bottle they had! Best rye I have ever had. Deep, rich and spicy. Very long and spicy finish. It made a Manhattan that was to die for as well, but I think I'll save the rest for sipping.