Glenrothes 42yo 1969/2012 (42.6%, Adelphi, Cask #2, 297 Bts.) 

No indications of the cask type however we do have a request for Mr. Adelphi; “Would he, please, please, please, make the labels and the font for all the print very much smaller? Since the details are so easy to read in the current font.” On the nose there is some pleasant sweetness that is usually associated with European oak that has previously contained sherry and that ever so unreliable arbiter of colour backs this up (the colour is dark mahogany). After some time spent languishing in the glass some very gentle oak spice arrives to compliment the sherry (& now some excellent Christmas cake) however not to over whelm. Any distillery character has been somewhat obliterated by the sherry but quite frankly it’s enough of a relief that it’s not sulphured and the oak hasn’t taken over like so many older Scottish whiskies these days. The taste leans a little to heavily towards the oak but not so much as to raise one’s ire and the sherry does yeoman service to tame the cask influence (the oak). Some good pepper (white) and the Christmas cake is there also along with some. The finish quite like the nose and the taste with a little meatiness hovering in the back ground. Big finish and the oak is just beginning to take over a little too much.

Good news about the lack of sulphur however the oak in the finish knocks off points but one to impress your friends with (based merely on price).

£399 at the Whisky Exchange

Score 80 points

Part one of four of Old & Really Expensive Week.