The Glenrothes, The Wine Merchant's Cask, Lustau No. 1 (55.2%)

Having spent more than two decades in American oak, the Wine Merchant’s Collection whiskies have then been “finished” by introducing them into casks which formerly held some of the world’s most coveted wines.

This particular whisky was distilled in 1992, and matured until 2014 in Hogshead casks. Having rested in these casks, we then introduced it into an American oak butt, formerly containing Oloroso Sherry, from Bodegas Lustau, the famous Spanish Sherry producer, to add an extra layer of complexity to the spirit.

Bodegas Lustau is perhaps the most notable Sherry producer in Jerez. Established in 1896 by José Ruiz-Berdejo as an Almacenista (a house where wines were matured to supply sherry shippers), Lustau has built a first-class reputation for the quality of its products. Its Sherries range in style from bone-dry Fino to rich Oloroso and unctuously sweet Pedro Ximénez.

Our whisky experts kept a close eye on the spirit until, at last, it was judged to be perfectly balanced and mature – only then was it bottled. Unchill-filtered, natural in colour and bottled at cask strength resulting in an intense, distinctive and unusual expression.

Appearance: Clear and bright
Bouquet: Citrus toffee, full and rich
Palate: Creamy, full, lemon treacle
Finish: Mid-length inviting second sip