Claxton’s are a Yorkshire based independent bottler, who select casks, which they then bottle at a high ABV, close to cask strength. They do this to offer an interesting and unique take on whisky brands. They sell their drams at a really reasonable price, despite the small quantities that they produce and this means that they are accessible, interesting treats for whisky lovers.
Glenrothes is a Speyside whisky that is notable for its pear drop like qualities. This particular dram was matured in sherry casks and as such carries the hallmarks of that casking. It is bottled at cask strength, of 53.7% abv.
Price: Not Sure
Appearance: Rich, dark brown like dandelion and burdock with out the fizz.
Aroma: Deep, thick raisiny sherry. Rich, fruity, dark and invitingly chewy.
Taste: Straight from the off, there is a rich, syrupy muscavado sweetness. It is noticeably strong, but with a really balanced moreish quality
In the middle there are rich, big fruit flavours. There are currants, sun soaked raisins and well hewn oak. This liquid has an identifiable aged quality, almost as if it was hewn from a tree or spilt from a rock rather than distilled and aged in a barrel.
For a liquid with such a powerful, sweet start, the end is warming, leathery and old.
Mouthfeel: Big flavours, but well balanced and incredibly smooth for a dram with high ABV.
Overall: This was one of our surprise favourites of the year. It was big, bold and sweet. Yet there were nuances that only came to light after more drinking. Glenrothes is a distillery that I have yet to be more than underwhelmed by, so this was a pleasant surprise, that has made me think again about what could be contained in their own, more premium level bottlings.
Another great whisky, from a company that I think will have a long and illustrious career in the industry if they can keep the quality of cask selection that they have managed so far!
Real Dram Factor: 8.3
Source: Sample from Claxton’s
More Information: Claxton’s Spirits Website
Buy Online: Not Available quite yet, but keep an eye on their Twitter for more information.