The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch 14-Year-Old 91.4 Proof

A beautifully poised and elegant Speyside malt with aromas of ripe pear, Golden Delicious apple and lemon curd alongside vanilla bean, fresh coconut and acacia honey. Hints of pineapple, orange blossom and toasted almonds emerge with air. Medium- to full-bodied with a wonderfully creamy texture. There’s plenty of ripe orchard fruit at first—pear and caramelized apple—followed by vanilla custard, coconut and citrus peel. The first-fill American oak is clearly present but nicely integrated, bringing honey, gentle baking spice and toasted wood without overwhelming the unusually bright fruit underneath. Fresh and increasingly citrusy through the middle, with a subtle waxiness adding texture. Long and refined on the finish, leaving pear, lemon zest, vanilla, coconut and lightly spiced oak. Pure, polished and beautifully focused. An excellent demonstration of Glenrothes without the usual sherry-cask makeup.