Description

Glenrothes 2012 Aged 10 Years Cask 170 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Infrequent Flyers #91 (700ml)

Cask Number(s): 170
Date of Distilling: 2012
Matured In: a single Refill Sherry Butt
Un-Chillfiltered

Alistair Walker is a highly experienced professional in the Scotch whisky industry, with a career spanning over two decades, including significant roles at Burn Stewart Distillers and The BenRiach Distillery Company (which also owned GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). He founded his independent bottling company in 2018. Launched in July 2019, this is the flagship brand of his company. The name “Infrequent Flyers” reflects Alistair’s mission to bottle whiskies from distilleries that are less commonly seen as single malts or whose expressions are not widely available. It also hints at the unique, sometimes unexpected, character of the individual casks he selects. Alistair Walker is dedicated to bottling whiskies in their most authentic form, typically as single cask bottlings, un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength. Alistair is known for his expertise in cask selection and management, often utilising diverse and interesting cask types (like the refill sherry butt here) to influence the whisky’s profile and bring out different facets of the spirit.

The Glenrothes Distillery is located in the town of Rothes, Speyside, Scotland, alongside the Burn of Rothes. Founded in 1879 by James Stuart & Co. (who also had ties to The Macallan). Glenrothes has a history of being used primarily as a key component in blended whiskies, most famously Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse, for much of its existence. Glenrothes is renowned for its slow distillation process in unusually tall copper pot stills. This extended distillation time increases copper contact, helping to create a lighter, fruitier, and more elegant new make spirit by removing heavier compounds.

This is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region, distilled at Glenrothes in 2012 and aged for 10 years. It’s bottled from cask #170, which is specified as a Refill Sherry Butt. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 62.8% alc/vol and produced a limited outturn of 683 bottles.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Often described as having ripe red fruits, such as plums and black grapes, alongside notes of rich jamminess. There can be hints of leather and toasted oak from the cask, subtle dark chocolate, and sometimes a surprising touch of sweet barbecue sauce or boiled sweets. It’s often perceived as quite a “heavy” nose, indicating rich aromas.

Palate: The refill sherry butt influence is clear here, offering a pleasant sweetness without being overpowering. Expect honeycomb, Demerara sugar, and marzipan. Stewed sultanas and cinnamon spice are common. It’s often described as rich and balanced, with a creamy texture. Some might find hints of toasted almonds or spiced apple chutney.

Finish: Spicy notes can emerge, like cracked black pepper, often leading into a warmth with hints of praline. It’s generally a satisfying and lingering finish.

This particular bottling seems to highlight the natural fruitiness of Glenrothes with a complementary layer of sherry influence that’s not overly dominant, allowing the distillery’s character to shine.