Glenrothes IB (Signatory) 1972 33yo

I just received this sample from Master of Malt today, and it is probably the sample I am most excited about in my order. The Glenrothes is my favorite distillery, but one thing that disappoints me about it is that they don't offer any cask strength expressions. With this independent bottling from Signatory, I will finally get to taste an over-proofed expression from The Glenrothes. What's more is that this is a 33 year old whisky! Really, this SHOULD be my all-time favorite whisky to ever taste. Let's see...

ABV: 56.6%

Nose: It is obviously over-proofed! Lots of plums, honey, and vanilla! It almost smells like thick syrup! Delicious.

Palate: Floral notes come out, with quite a bit of herbal notes. Thick mouth feel. Very oily. Very hot in the mouth.

Finish: Long finish! It goes on forever. Wow. Plenty of spice lingers.

This is not good. I am so depressed. I was so excited about this whisky.

With 5 drops of water:

Nose: Lots of vanilla on the nose. Delicious ripe fruits.

Palate: Opens up a bit more. The heat cools down just a touch. Lots of spice comes out. The honey opens up a bit. Oak notes.

Finish: Long. Lots of spice and vanilla. Lots of oak.

Five more drops of water:

Nose: Some very nice ripe fruit comes out.

Palate: Lots of spice. This isn't changing much. Plenty of oak.

Finish: Long, and very spicy, mixed with oak.

The water helps, but it is not a whisky I will be looking for on the shelves. I'm sure this 33yo cask strength whisky goes for a pretty penny, but frankly, I wouldn't pay $30 for it. It is an over-proofed oak & spice show.

Find where to buy Glenrothes whisky