I have yet to try a bad Glenrothes. And this one is even a greater statement for me, since i am not a speyside fan.
This expression, is part of the Soleo collection, which is one that is known for the dehydrated fruits flavors and profile, due to the "soleo" technique to dry raisins to make sherry. Having said that, this "Maker's cut" is matured only in first fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Bottled at 48.8%abv with a beautiful copper color.
On the nose: the aroma is wonderful, breathtaking. Lemon, cinnamon, blackberry jam, hazelnut, blueberries, tobacco, chocolate, vinegar, BUBBLETAP GUM. Very nice stuff. After taking a first sip, it also revealed coffee and toffee.
On the palate, it is a nice dram. Waffer with chocolate, toffe and pepper. Second sip was bold, Red fruits, cinnamon and chilli. It also feels like a bourbon barrel that has been varnished in sherry. Amaretto and oak spice.
Aftertaste is almost perfect. Grapes, very winey. An oak burn, but pleasant, dark chocolate, prunes, tobacco with a late bitterness. Oranges, macadamia nuts and cough syrup.
Overall, this is a very well crafted whisky. I loved it. It feels fancy, but unlike other really elegant drams, this one is very complex and interesting. The palate is good but not as good as the nose and aftertaste. My score for it is a deserved 93 over 100, i would definitively buy it again.