Recent stunners were a Caol Ila 1990 from the Casks of Distinction-series (92-93 points, elegant and coastal), an undisclosed 2008 Bowmore from Sherry casks (91 points, what a bacon plum) and the portrait series triplet for Kirsch Import for their third birthday (Unknown Islay 1991: 92 points; Glenburgie 1995: 90 points); Caperdonich 2000: 90+ points).

In connection with Kirsch, they also dabble in ‚grape and apple juice‘ – try their Armagnacs from Aurian or Cognacs from Pasquet. The Calvados releases were another good leap to broaden the portfolio – we need more movers and shakers in the field of Malternatives. I recommend the 2017 taken from Hampden Estate Rum Casks! Now we can expect another Jamaican pleasure, a Longpond 22 y.o. is about to be released, alongside with a Ledaig 2007. Stay tuned for these offerings.

Glenrothes 36 y.o. Wu Dram Clan 1986, Bourbon Cask 2125, 45,6%

Today, I am tasting a dignified old Glenrothes from a Single Bourbon Cask. Doesn’t sound sexy? Stunad! Glenrothes was a favourite among blenders and still is very underrated as a Single Malt. It is a treasure to be unearthed. Lets try:

It starts off like liquid summer sun, bright, mature, sweet and not really woody. I am getting blood orange, quince, passionfruit, mango, cristallized pineapple, coconut, fudge and salted caramel, vanilla pastry. On the palate it changes to hay, banana and greener elements at first, the dry spice of the wood adds a nice complexity in check. All that is rounded off by peach, ginger and curd cheese-vanilla cake in the long finish. A charming summer dram.

Score: 91