Today, we're diving into the Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve, a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky aged exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. This whisky, sent to us by our friend Austin from the Bourbon Earring channel, is non-age stated and clocks in at 80 proof. While we typically enjoy both bourbon and Speyside Scotch, this particular whisky left us with mixed feelings. Let’s break it down.
The following review is taken from our episode "Rashomon / Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose here is decent. It reminds me a lot of sherry, with a fruity quality and some fresh bread notes. There’s also a nice, zesty citrus element. However, nothing really stood out as exceptional—just very palatable. I’m giving the nose 6.5/10.
Bob: I’m with you, Brad. It’s definitely fruity, with a bright citrus character. For me, it’s almost like a really bright white wine or Champagne. However, the alcohol is a bit harsh and astringent, which undercuts what could have been a lovely nose. I’m also giving it 6.5/10.
Taste
Brad: On the palate, it took an upswing for me. There’s a nice honey drizzle flavor, and the bread notes from the nose turn into something more like toast with a little bit of butter. As it develops, I get pear and a hint of almond. Overall, I liked it better than the nose, so I’m giving it 7/10.
Bob: I can see why you liked it more on the palate, but for me, it’s just fine. It’s not offensive, but it’s not memorable either. There’s a bit of saline, some caramel sweetness, but nothing that really grabs my attention. By the time you finished talking, I had already forgotten what I tasted. It’s a very drinkable, if not remarkable, whisky. I’m giving it 7/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish brought some peachy fruit and caramel spice, but it soured a bit with a barley note that lingered unpleasantly. It wasn’t bad, just not something I’d write home about. I’m giving it 7/10.
Bob: I’m in the same boat. The finish was middle-of-the-road, just like the rest of this whisky. There’s nothing offensive, but nothing exciting either. It’s fine, just fine. I’m also giving it 7/10.
Balance
Brad: The balance here is just average to above average. The flavors are consistent, but they don’t offer much complexity or depth. I’m giving it 6/10.
Bob: Normally, when the nose, taste, and finish all score similarly, it’s a sign of good balance. But in this case, it’s just consistently underwhelming. It’s decent, but not enough to wow me. I’m giving it 6.5/10.
Value
Brad: This whisky isn’t outrageously priced at around $50, but it just doesn’t impress enough to feel worth it. There are too many better options in that price range. I’m giving it 5/10.
Bob: It’s complicated because it’s been discontinued, yet it’s still only $50, which tells me there’s not much demand for it. While $50 is a decent price for a single malt Scotch, this one being non-age stated and not that great doesn’t do it any favors. Strangely enough, value might be its highest scoring category for me, so I’m giving it 7/10.
Final Scores
Brad: I’m coming out to a 32/50.
Bob: I’m at a 34/50.
Averaging our scores, we land at 33/50 or 66/100. This is well below the mark where we’d normally recommend trying or buying a bottle. It’s not a bad whisky, but there’s just not enough here to justify spending $50. There are far better options in the $45-$60 Scotch range.
Conclusion
At Film & Whiskey, we generally recommend trying a pour at a bar or buying a bottle when a whisky scores above 35/50. For context, a 40/50 is considered great, and a 45/50 is excellent. Unfortunately, Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve didn’t quite make the cut. If you stumble upon a bottle, there’s no harm in giving it a try, but we wouldn’t suggest going out of your way to find it.
