Scotch

Glenrothes 1954 28 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice

$2,500

OVERALL
RATING

Scotch Whisky Review: Glenrothes 1954 28 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice

A 1954 vintage from Speyside’s Glenrothes Distillery bottled by independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail as part of their renowned Connoisseurs Choice series.

by Mark Bostock
April 17, 2025

Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.

Tasting Notes:

About:

A 1954 vintage from Speyside’s Glenrothes Distillery bottled by independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail as part of their renowned Connoisseurs Choice series. This Glenrothes was bottled at 28 Years Old, at the time the cask type was not referenced – but judging by the colour almost certainly a sherry cask. Bottled at 40% ABV.

Appearance:

Dark Amber

Nose:

Opens with caramelised brown sugar sweetness, accompanied by slight nutty and earthy notes. Followed by notes of polished leather and a hint of tobacco smoke, balanced by orange peel citrus and rich sherry notes – stewed raisins and plums. Slight spiciness, ginger and cinnamon. Treated old oak and cedar wood.

Palate:

Opens with an earthy, slightly dry peat note. This gives way to roasted nuts, polished leather and old wood notes. Hints of black tea, toffee, and tobacco smoke.

Finish:

Long, lingering earthiness which gives a slight astringent bitterness, some charred oak, a little toffee sweetness and oiliness.

Comments:

A very complex and well-balanced classic sherry cask matured whisky, there’s none of the slight artificial sweetness you can find with some modern sherry matured whiskies. I really enjoyed the old oak, leather, and earthy notes.

The sweetness on the nose contradicts the astringent earthiness on the palate and finish, I’d have initially thought it was a PX sherry cask but later I believe its Oloroso. This is an excellent vintage dram, and the level of flavours detected – there’s a lot going on for 40% ABV.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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