OB 1992 43% - Glenrothes

[jwise]

I stumbled across this bottle today while hopping from package store to package store. What can I say, I enjoy the hunt! The Glenrothes 1992 (bottled in 2005) is considered by the distillery to be an extinct vintage. That basically means I shouldn't have been able to find it in a package store. Lucky me! Frankly, I've been told that the 1991 (which I have) is a better whisky than the 1992, but I just had to have it! Interestingly, this bottling did not come in a brown cardboard "crate" with a rope handle (like all other Glenrothes bottles I've ever seen), instead this came in a translucent tube. This packaging was rather striking to me, as it marked a great departure from the tradition of Glenrothes.



The color of this whisky isn't really on the charts, as it has a rose hue to it. The official notes state: "fruity, ripe black plums and licorice."

Nose: Massive flora: gardenia, roses, lilac, and honey suckle. Sherry influence as well. I see where they get the licorice note from. Definite aniseed. Very nice nose! I could bury my nose in the glass and be a happy man! But alas, it's time to taste this fine whisky!

Body: Full body construction! Really fills the mouth with its richness.

Palate: WOW! Spices, honey, what an incredible bouquet of flavors! This isn't the toffee/caramel (creme brulee) of the '91, but it is VERY good in its own right. Sherry notes come out, really warming the mouth with a velvety feel.

Finish: LONG! Sending up a fantastic aroma. Pepper hit the cheeks as an embracing sweetness filled the mouth! Faint oak in the back of the throat.

Just as the packaging of the '92 was a distinct departure from other Glenrothes expressions, so it is with the whisky held within. I have never had another Glenrothes that packs such a spicy punch. This whisky is a real "sleeper", in that the spicy character that comes out in the palate and finish is just not anywhere to be found in the nose! What a treat!