The Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve

The nose is pretty drab and none explicit, but on the other hand the taste is unique. The peat that comes through slightly in the lingering taste, is truly magnificent!

Bright malty aroma, love the smell. Light leather smell, super into it. Super light and thin body. No burn, but super passive flavors. Grassy floral undertone. If I didn't know any better I'd say it was Irish without question.

Surprisingly smooth. No smell of smoke but you can taste it. Not overpowering. Combined with lemon and smoke

I have been curious about this malt, but in my area it goes for $70-80---just not that curious to go in blind. Then I found a Minnesota online shipper selling it for $25; then, on New Year's Day they had one day free shipping special. Who of weak will could resist that? Pouring neat it is a light straw color. Nose is sweet, citrus/floral, with a whiff of peat. On the tongue these are all evident. Mouthfeel is light, typical of malts from tall stills such as those of Glenrothes and Glenmorangie. In fact, except for the peat, this reminds me of Glenmorangie 10. Coming from the former Islay casks used to age this malt, the peat is not a peat-bomb, but is a nice smoky accent. I prefer this at cool to room temperature to allow all the floral esters to be available. Chilled in the frig it is much less complex and the peat rules more on the tongue. I am enjoying this very much. I appreciate that some distillers such as Glenrothes and Spey do a longer, slower fermentation to allow their yeasts to develop those floral notes.

Nose: Barley, cereal grain. Cheerios. Distant vanilla. Palate: Honey Nut Cheerios Peachy banana fruit like flavors. Whisps of smoke lacing throughout. Minty sweet vanilla, especially on the finish.