1988 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Glenrothes 33 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

After so many sweet wine finishes, a simple, well-aged bourbon cask brings welcome relief. This is also the grandfather malt in Claxton's latest outturn, and when compared with the going rate for the official release 25 year old (read $750+), its quality/value ratio is noteworthy. Super pure on the nose sporting a delicate fruitiness (apple and pear tart) as well as hints of hazelnuts, milk chocolate and cinnamon. The palate adds light beeswax as peppery oak and fruits play off one another in a lengthy finish. Mere suggestions of nectarine, dried apple and fig surface and ring through the aftertaste. A very fine, very graceful Glenrothes, demonstrating that sherry casks aren't necessary to showcase this distillate at its best. 207 bottles from a hogshead. 50.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from Claxton's... Nose: Sweet and herbal. Sweet corn and vanilla. Applie pie. Palate: Cooked fruits with pastry. Sweet and spicy oak, vanilla warming spices. Finish: Long and full of soft fruits. Sweet oak in the aftertaste.