The Glenrothes 15 Year Old

The Glenrothes is one of Speyside’s quieter names, a distillery that has spent a century supplying whisky to the great blends while keeping the best casks for itself. The 15 Year Old sits in the Soleo Collection, matured exclusively in oak seasoned with sherry, and it shows the house style well: rich without being heavy, sweet without being sticky.

Expect dried apricot, raisin, honey and vanilla on the nose, then a soft, rounded palate of orange peel, toffee, cinnamon and a little oak, with a long, warm finish. The signature Glenrothes bottle, shaped like a sample flask, is a nice touch on a shelf.

Serve neat or with a drop of water. A gift for someone who already has the Macallan, and a whisky for slow evenings.

The Glenrothes Distillery, Rothes, Speyside, Scotland. 700ml, 40% ABV.