Glenrothes 25 Years Old 1988 The Fishes of Samoa (53%, Archives, Refill Sherry HH #7318, 213 Bottles, 2013)

• Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Glenrothes distillery
• Bottling: Archives, The Fishes of Samoa
• ABV: 53%
• Cost: £63.99

What they say

Distilled 06.06.1988 at Glenrothes distillery in Speyside and matured for a full 25 years in a Refill Sherry Hogshead cask No. 7318 before bottling on 06.11.2013 at 53% ABV for a 213 bottle outturn.

What I say

Free sample received with purchase from Whiskybase shop

My tasting notes:

• Colour: Pale rosy amber gold (6/10), with medium, slow tears and fine trails
• Nose: Gentle and creamy, a hint of sweetness and fruit, red berries and vanilla cream, some cereal barley flour, grassy dried hay and a little light heather blossom honey
• Taste: Tangy and zingy, initially rough-cut orange marmalade with some pickled ginger, more fruits, nectarine, green apples, peach a little underipe, becomes more creamy, vanilla and egg custard, some nutmeg and cinnamon spice, caramel and butterscotch fudge, lemon and grapefruit zest
• Finish: Medium, warming, gentle, sweet caramelised sugar and mild orchard fruits with a whiff of menthol spearmint and eucalyptus

Overall

Pleasant and creamy dram, lots of good points, nicely balanced and complimentary flavours. Suffers a little from tired cask which shows as a touch of menthol, thin and vaporous just creeps in towards the finish. Greta nose and palate but let down a little in the finish belying its age. Zingy and refreshing at the end, great aperitif dram.

Score 85/100

Available from Whiskybase

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