Glenrothes

Glenrothes stands in Rothes, in the heart of Speyside, and has been distilling since 1879. For much of its life most of its spirit went into blends, notably Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse, and single malt bottlings were a smaller part of the story. Today the distillery and the brand are owned by Edrington.

The house style is round and fruity, with orange, vanilla and spice. Slow distillation in a large stillhouse gives a soft, clean spirit, and much of it is matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which add depth and dried-fruit notes.

For many years Glenrothes was best known for vintage releases, such as the 2007, alongside the no-age-statement Select Reserve. In recent years the core range moved to age statements, including the 10 Year Old, The 12 Year Old and the 25 Year Old, with Maker's Cut bottled at higher strength. You will also find Oloroso cask finish bottlings at 12 and 14 years, and older official releases from the 1980s turn up on the secondary market.

Glenrothes is widely bottled by independent bottlers, including Signatory Vintage, Gordon & MacPhail, Douglas Laing, Duncan Taylor, That Boutique-y Whisky Company and The Last Drop. These single casks and small batches often show the spirit from refill casks, lighter and more orchard-fruited than the official sherried style.