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Glenrothes                                                 Back to Whisky Reviews

The Glenrothes Distillery sits beside the Burn of Rothes in the heart of Speyside. Their private spring, “The Fairies’ (or Lady’s) Well”, is in the nearby Glen of Dounie, and all the land surrounding this vital source is owned and protected by the distillery. 

Distillation began at Glenrothes on Sunday, December 28th 1879.  In 1896 the distillery was expanded as demand from blenders grew for this increasingly prized malt whisky. 100 years after the founding, new stills were installed, in 1979.

Since its opening, the distillery was recognised as one of the best; the whisky one of the most sought after on Speyside. The structure, flavour and body of The Glenrothes makes it a ‘top dresser’ or quality enhancer found at the heart of some of the world’s finest blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse. Expert distillers and blenders claim that it produces one of the finest and most accomplished of malt whiskies.

John Ramsay, the Malt Master, has crafted a selection of The Glenrothes which typifies the distillery house character – ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. The Select Reserve is a first for them. A non-Vintage-specific selection carefully chosen by John and produced to the same high quality standards as The Glenrothes Vintage selections; only here they select and vat from casks from different years. [1]

Glenrothes Select Reserve (Speyside)

Colour: Pale Golden 

Aroma: American Oak, Vanilla, Coconut, hint of plums

Palate: Full malty flavour, medium sweet, vanilla and orange zest  

Finish: Medium length, medium dry