Glenrothes 1995 American Oak

Score: 73

Glenrothes 1995 American Oak was the quiet achiever of the night, elegant, expressive, and full of character. Matured for 20 years in first-fill American oak seasoned with dry Oloroso, it delivered a profile that was both refined and richly layered, standing out without shouting. The nose opened with canned fruit in rumtopf, plum compote, and dried apricot, wrapped in warm spice, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. On the palate, it was a sweet and fruity symphony: orange, cherry, dry yellow apple, and rooibos tea, all balanced by a gentle spice and a touch of licorice. The finish lingered with delicate heat, a light chili bite, and a whisper of oak. In a lineup that included safe bets and curveballs, Glenrothes 1995 felt like the grown-up in the room, complex without being cryptic, and polished without losing soul. It didn’t need theatrics to impress; it simply delivered. Its second-place finish was a nod to its depth and maturity, and for many club members, it was the dram that quietly stole the show, a whisky that reminded everyone what thoughtful aging and quality cask selection can achieve.