Glenrothes Distillery Exclusive 2004 Cellar Collection 13 Years Old 48.8% 2004

Professional reviews

BOW (88)

Nose:
A tropical paradise pours from the glass, replacing the familiar Glenrothes toffee profile with an indulgent burst of overripe pineapple, mango purée, and grated coconut—a veritable holiday cocktail. But soon, that buttery caramel core, thick with vanilla and a touch of salt, emerges, evoking fresh shortbread. Sweet orange peel and zesty grapefruit add layers. Over time, earthier undertones develop: damp mossy soil after rain, aged wood. An array of spices—cloves, cardamom—deepens the aromatic complexity. The high ABV drives everything forward robustly yet seamlessly, delivering intensity without disruption.

Taste
On the palate, the fruit spectacle continues—a rich sweetness bursting with layers of dark butter caramel, juicy oranges, and vibrant flavors that vie for attention. That high alcohol brings a lovely ginger heat, enhancing the experience. Prickly oak delivers a dry, slightly bitter grounding, with sweet tobacco and a return of those “dirty-spicy” notes—earthy, musty flavors that honor the distillery’s “graveyard” moniker.

Finish:
A long, resonant finish with dark ripe fruit, aromatic coffee roast, and dark caramel. The oak stays dry, mingling with fresh hay and a lingering touch of clove spice for an enduring close.