Glenrothes 13 Years Old 2011 Cask #2310066 (Murray McDavid)

Cask 2310066 is a sibling release to cask 2310068 in Murray McDavid's Benchmark range, both drawn from the same 2011 Glenrothes distillation but matured in different sherry styles. The Oloroso route produces a savoury, oxidative profile distinct from the syrupy density of its PX twin. Murray McDavid has bottled Scotch independently since 1995, rebuilt under Aceo Ltd from 2013. This release of 94 bottles emerges at 58.9% for the German market.

Oloroso sherry casks deliver the oxidative side of the sherry spectrum: long open air solera ageing under controlled humidity in Jerez generates the savoury aldehydes (sotolon, methylpentanol) and oxidised glucose chemistry that define Oloroso's signature. Over thirteen years European oak's slow lignin breakdown adds vanillin, syringaldehyde and eugenol while ellagitannins structure the spirit. A relatively small outturn of 94 bottles suggests a hogshead format and notable angel's share evaporation.

On the nose, fig and prune sit alongside walnut shell and polished oak, the savoury Oloroso signature clearly developed. The palate carries cocoa, raisin and a developing leathery quality as rancio takes hold, with 58.9% strength delivering the cask's depth without astringency. The finish runs long and tannic, the European oak's grip closing around dried fruit and tobacco notes.