Gordon & MacPhail recently launched its redesigned Private Collection series. It features some of the rarest whiskies in their portfolio which come in a ridged bottle and a veneered wooden presentation box.
The first releases include an Inverleven 1985 as well as this 43 year-old Glenrothes 1974 from a sherry cask.
Glenrothes 43 yo 1974 (49,5%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Private Collection’ 2018, refill sherry puncheon #18440, 276 btl.)
Glenrothes 43 yo 1974 (49,5%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Private Collection’ 2018, refill sherry puncheon #18440, 276 btl.)Nose: complex and refined. Tobacco leaves, some metal polish, old Pu-Erh tea and chestnuts. Soaked sultanas and honied fruitcake. Herbal notes, orange peel and red berries. This has rather nice sour fresh fruits as well as dried fruits, giving it a nice energy. Whiffs of resin as well.
Mouth: less complex, but again a pleasant mix of juicy fresh fruits (oranges, raspberry) and drier elements like pipe tobacco, chocolate and mint. Cinnamon, a little anise, orange zest and eucalyptus. Some sourness againa, and subtle hints of walnuts and coffee.
Finish: medium, with some drying, resinous oak and a hint of peppermint chocolates.
Very high quality Glenrothes, elegantly sherried in a juicy way and not overly oaked. Rather excellent. Around € 1250.
Score: 90/100