Glenrothes Select Reserve

This was a surprise birthday gift which I've had to leave alone because of a bad flu. I've been quietly thinking about getting myself a bottle for a little while, so I was quietly chuffed when it suddenly appeared before me in a most unexpected manner.

I have to admit I do like the clever cardboard packaging and the cute little tubby bottle is very distinctive on the shelf amongst my other bottles - it really draws the eye.

For a speyside dram, it's quite powerful on the nose. Toffee sweetness, tropical fruits, vanilla, citrus with a warm hint of buttery goodness holding it all together. Sitting with the glass in my lap I'm getting constant hits - really quite pleasant.

The taste starts gently, toffee sweetness, complemented by some cracked pepper and a hint of mint. After a few moments an adroit wave of citrus and forest fruits with a warming spicy note rolls over the top leaving my mouth slightly dry, and my tongue tingling.

The finish is warm and spicy, but fades through ripe fruits and citrus finishing with a lingering note of toffee.

I'd heard mixed things about this, and I get the impression that there is a bit of variation between bottles, but I was genuinely impressed with this one. It's not in the pantheon of the greats, but is more than decent. Easy to drink, and nice to savour. Sweet and light, but not simple. A perfect Summer every day dram!

Tossing up between an 8 and an 8.5 for this one, but after finishing the glass, i found myself genuinely wanting another. It surprised me how much I liked it, so 8.5 it is.

Thanks Dave, I really appreciated this one!

Find where to buy Glenrothes whisky