Glenrothes Whisky Makers Cut Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"...unspoiled Sherry casks at work. An absolute must for Sherry lovers." - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020

Glenrothes’ owners The Edrington Group are instigating some significant changes at the distillery. An upgrade is scheduled in the coming years and the marketing emphasis has already taken a dramatic shift towards 'ultra premium' bottlings. The ten and twelve-year-olds as well as the Whisky Maker's Cut are all discontinued, at least in Australia, with the range now starting at 18 years. However alternative reports suggest they’ve stopped making them altogether, which is supported by the fact that these products are now archived on the Glenrothes website and listed as sold out at major UK retailers. Whatever the case, knowing the strong following for this distillery, we’ve bought up big and negotiated Australia’s best deals. Opportunity knocks! 

In and out of the country over the last few years and at variable pricing, the Whisky Maker's Cut was originally exclusive to an Australian Whisky Club where it sold for $125; elsewhere it's been selling for up to AU$140. We've secured an even better price again with a scoop buy on the last domestic stocks. Matured in first-fill sherry casks, bottled at the Master Distiller's preferred strength and rated 95 points by Jim Murray, this will attract drinkers more than collectors. The aroma wavers to and fro from sweeter notes of fresh prunes, dried apricots and candied orange peel to drier scents of leather handbag, cocoa and light prickles of alcohol. Early oak and baking spice flavours develop before dates and wisps of vanilla. Extra kick from the higher strength adds depth, especially with the spike of intensity at the finish. The final stages turn leaner and spicier, but the balance is good. In short, plenty for Sherry heads to enjoy - and at a very reasonable price. As the undisputed bargain of the Soleo collection, expect it to go fast. 48.8% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... "...a semi-simplistic of happy, dry oloroso dominating... the late sherry trifle, enriched with chocolate sauce is deeply attractive. Unspoiled Sherry casks at work." 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

...The nose offers rich fruit—plums and sultanas—with milk chocolate and new leather. The palate is silky and luxurious, with medium-sweet sherry, vanilla, blackcurrants, and treacle. Dark berries and black pepper in the lengthy, mildly oaky finish. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Summer 2019)

No age statement, but a considerably higher abv here. That higher alcohol level really makes the sherry pop on the nose, although I also get a bit of a smoky kick here that I didn’t find in any of the other whiskies. On the palate, that smoky element lingers, giving the body a peppery, beefy note that is slightly at odds with the citrus-driven sherry notes. The beefy, smoky elements continue to reign on the finish, alongside a somewhat green note.  - drinkhacker.com