New Release: Glenrothes 1980 34 Year Old The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 30.83

There was an expected creaminess, but I was surprised by the strong tar-like peatiness. Glenrothes GLENROTHES 1980 34yo THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY 30.83 45.8% one of 178 bottles, Refill Bourbon Hogshead Aromas are elegant: orange cream, light pear, a touch of white wine, refined barley, slightly damp tar. On the palate, it's more powerful than its alcohol strength suggests: orange, pear, gentle barley, refined sweetness, a slightly creamy texture, solid tar, and an unexpectedly clean finish. 【Good/Very Good】 SMWS number 30 = Glenrothes 1980, a new release aged for 34 years. I remember this being the longest-matured bottling from that era. (※For a list of SMWS distillery codes, please see here) Both aroma and flavor show the fruity notes typical of long maturation—orange, pear—with creaminess. It was impressive that barley characteristics remained despite the aging years. However, what surprised me was the surprisingly strong tar-like peatiness, which almost overshadowed everything else. Although it's a long-matured whisky, the 1980 distillation date isn't from an era known for old peat. I've never felt such peatiness in a Rothes whisky, which was somewhat surprising. The tar-like malt is unexpectedly clean in its finish—truly befitting a Speyside giant. However, the strong peatiness was so pronounced that it almost overshadowed the diverse aromas typical of long maturation, making this an extremely interesting bottle. It's quite uncharacteristically Rothes-like in its personality, and it feels more like the character of the cask rather than the original spirit. The Society certainly has some fascinating casks! #Glenrothes (GLENROTHES)