The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve Scotch Whisky 70cl

The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve (previously known as the Alba Reserve) is made exclusively with whisky which has matured in ex-bourbon casks. Load of classic vanilla and honey notes all the way through. The whisky is certified Kosher.

Formerly known as Alba Reserve, Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve is something of a departure for the distillery – where normally a large proportion of European sherry oak is used in their assemblages, this expression is comprised entirely of ex-bourbon American Oak, and is certified kosher by Rabbi Padwa of the London Beth Din.

The Glenrothes typically uses both ex-bourbon, refill whisky, and ex-sherry casks for maturation of their whiskies. This bottling is their exception to the rule. Formally known as Alba Reserve, as of the end of 2015, this bottling has been re-branded as Bourbon Cask Reserve. Incidentally, it is still Certified Kosher as was their Alba Reserve bottling.

The award-winning Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky has won Double Gold Medal at the WSWA Tasting Competition in 2016 and received 95 Points (Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation) at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge the year before. It combines the best of both the American and Scotch whisky industries.

The Glenrothes’ normal wood policy uses a combination of Spanish and American oak, seasoned with sherry, bourbon and malt Scotch (known as refill). Of those only Bourbon is 100% Kosher. 

For this expression Gordon Motion has used Glenrothes matured exclusively in American oak refill Bourbon casks. It therefore delivers coconut and vanilla in abundance, and is soft and mellow with a crème brulée flavor and feel.

Nose:

Freshly baked bread with butter, almonds and coconut, a little white chocolate.

Palate:

White pepper, cinnamon, a little blackberry. Whole vanilla pods in honey.

Finish:

Lingering charred bourbon oak and orange oil.