Whisky Focus - Glenrothes Alba Reserve Rebranded As Bourbon Cask Reserve

The Glenrothes Alba Reserve rebranded as The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits have announced the launch of The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve, although it is not a new whisky it is the existing Glenrothes Alba Reserve which they have renamed as The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve.

BBR say the move is a bid to be more transparent, the name has been changed for the sake of simplicity and to aid consumer understanding.

This is the first certified kosher whisky from the Speyside distillery – Bourbon Cask Reserve is matured exclusively in American oak refill bourbon casks. The Glenrothes’ normal wood policy uses a combination of Spanish and American oak, seasoned with sherry, bourbon and refill Scotch. Of those only bourbon is 100% kosher. Despite the level of residual sherry in The Glenrothes measuring no more than 1250 parts per million, sherry is not kosher. So The Glenrothes developed an expression to satisfy Orthodox Jewish whisky enthusiasts as well as other aficionados of The Glenrothes.

Bourbon Cask Reserve was authenticated by Rabbi Padwa of the London Beth Din in March 2009 and annually thereafter. A stamp from the London Beth Din certifying the whisky’s kosher status appears on the back label.

According to Doug McIvor, Spirits Buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd; "The Bourbon Cask Reserve hits all the right notes. The most soft, succulent, sweet and satisfying Speyside single malt I have ever come across." As 'Alba Reserve' it won a Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenrothes believe that maturity matters more than age; this is the philosophy that underpins the Vintages as well as the Reserve Selections. Each expression has its own unique personality, and this expression is described as "coconut and vanilla, rich and sweet."

The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve is already available in the USA and will be gradually rolled out into key markets; it will be priced at around £45 (€ 59, US$ 55, NT$ 2,600) per bottle. Meanwhile you can still find the Glenrothes Alba Reserve available from specialist whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange
 

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