Tasting Note

Appearance

Deep mahogany or rich copper-red colour, indicative of heavy sherry cask influence.

Viscous legs in the glass, suggesting a rich texture.

Nose (Aroma)

Opens with intense sherry-cask signatures: dried fruits (raisins, sultanas), dark plum, candied orange peel.

Beneath the fruit: dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, caramelised toffee, and a subtle malty warmth.

Spicy oak and leather notes emerge: clove, nutmeg, polished leather and maybe a hint of espresso.

Palate (Taste)

Full-bodied and bold thanks to the 57.1% ABV and sherry cask maturation.

Layers of sherry-sweetness: molasses, dried apricots, figs, candied orange, dark chocolate again.

Nutty elements: hazelnuts or roasted nuts, balanced by oak tannin and spice (black pepper, nutmeg).

A firm backbone of oak and some dryness from the sherry cask; the sweetness is not cloying because it’s tempered by the robust cask strength and oak.

Finish

Long and warming. The influence of sherry and oak linger: toasted spices, dark chocolate, dried fruit compote remain.

A gentle dryness from the oak tannins in the finish, with lingering spice and fruit.

Slight bitterness of orange zest or dark chocolate crumb in the aftertaste, keeping it balanced.

Overall Impression

This is a vibrant, sherry-forward Speyside whisky with good heft. The Glenrothes spirit (which typically shows elegant fruit) is overlaid with strong first-fill Oloroso sherry butt character, giving plenty of dried fruit, sweet-nutty, and spicy oak elements. At its strength (57.1% ABV) it’s best enjoyed slowly so the layers can open up.

For fans of sherry-cask Speyside whiskies, this bottling offers excellent value and strong flavour at a young age (10 years) but benefiting from high-impact maturation. A caveat: its youth means some youthful spirit character may peek through, so it may not be as refined as much older bottlings — but that also lends energy and vibrancy.

Serving Suggestion

Serve in a tulip or Glencairn glass to capture the aromas.

Try neat first, then add a few drops of water if you’d like to open up the aromas further — especially beneficial given the ABV.

Pairing ideas: dark chocolate, strong blue cheese, or simply on its own as a contemplative dram.

Given its power, sip slowly to savour its complexity rather than rush through.