The Glenrothes Select Reserve (43%)

One of the nicest Scotch malt whiskies. Nice and mellow, like honey, but still gives that smooth whisky taste.

Good value for a lovely malt whisky, nice with a small dash of water.

1st January 2019

I expected it a little richer. Good for his price. No matter how much I trust the malt master, the more I want the date on the label.

15th November 2018

Great whisky.

7th June 2018

A perfect non smokey/peated speyside. Great for a relaxing easy drink. Add a drop of water and enjoy the aromas opening up and it's silky gentle finish.

5th February 2018

This is a very fine whiskey......goes down easy and has a nice bouquet and satisfying warmth.....much better than some single 12 and 18 year olds I've had in the past.....probably the best whiskey for bang for the buck, no matter what the "snobs" may say, this is a real winner!

14th January 2018

A pleasant, balanced NAS Speysider. Nothing extraordinary but will enjoy finishing this bottle.

30th September 2017

The bottles sentnin Canada are Bottled at 40% abv...
Vanilla... Spicyness... Did I tasted some hint of chocolate? Maybe!
Fruits are fading too fast... It is too weak because it is too much diluted... Would be better at 43... 46% abv!
Here we pay around 60 Can $... Not a big deal but not a bad one...

5th July 2017

This scotch has become my 'go to' for cosy nights in with a cuddle and a film. It's not too demanding, but spicy and appealing. I've had much more expensive scotches I have liked a lot less, including other more serious Glenrothes. Bang for buck, I can't think of a better scotch. I note some people absolutely hate it - and others love it - not much in between. I guess if it catches you in a good mood in the right day you'll develop the same addiction to it I have.

18th May 2017

Ignore ridiculous negatives. This really is a special whisky. It's smooth. It's not too harsh. It has a caramel/ butterscotch taste. It holds the taste in your mouth and will make you remember the name. I'm usually a peaty whisky lover but this is great.

13th March 2017

So first of, I am more into my Irish Whisky then I am into Scotch. Have noted that, I do like to try ALL whiskys affordably available.
So.. let's begin!

Negatives: The taste could be richer and the price could be lower, maybe left to age longer (I suppose the age thing is more for the vintage selection).

Positives: It's rather smooth when you drink it like a real Whisky connoisseur, and rather tasty. The smell isn't as strong as ones I have personal drank, such as Teelings Single Malt but nether the less it is rather pleasant to drink.

Do not listen to these bad reviews. It is worth giving a try, but everyone is different. As I say with the price tho, the taste and texture is not that of a £30+ bottle.

24th February 2017

Not something special

19th February 2017

Hard and antiseptic. Not a whiskey for relaxing with, but would come in handy for degreasing the M/C brake pads!

25th December 2016

Very good strength. Not 5 star but good value for the money paid. All in all a nice wee dram..

14th October 2016

Compare the poor reviews to the numerous awards this whisky has won; you can tell some people (giving this half/1 star) have a very misguided taste in whisky! This is an exceptional value for money whisky, creamy, complex, butterscotch, vanilla and fruit, plenty of spice too (maybe a tad too advanced for some drinkers?) and all for a very good price.

Worth adding a touch of water or even just letting it open up for a minute, it really softens and opens up the flavours. A seriously good every-day dram!

5th October 2016

Not a fan, not pleasant on the nose - rotten fruit and too much spice - finish just alcohol.

14th August 2016

Took a punt while shopping and picked one up. Light first testing with citrus and fruits while finishing with very light smoke. As I said the the Mrs a summer whisky. I'm quite new to single malts and find the tasting is very very personal so don't understand how a whisky can receive a poor score as in if you don't like the taste it's just not for you and not a poor whisky. My favourite is a glen mhor but at £235 for a bottle I would expect it to be special.

1st May 2016

Smooth at first, then a harsh finish. Very characterless. Shame it was a gift! Much better out there for the money, Benromach 10, nuff said.

17th March 2016

Maybe not the most complex or deep flavored single malt, buy absolutely one of the easiest to drink. Perfect for a regular drink during the week

17th March 2016

Excellent smooth and tasty. Mild for my nose and sharp for my mouth (tongue). I got it from my son and he has to taste it. I´ll have to visit this distillery on my next trip to Scotland

13th March 2016

My husband and I love it. I am about to order a second one for his birthday!

15th November 2015

The nose is pretty bad on this one (rotten vanilla), mouth is pretty much a taste of alcool, and not a bad finale which is why I give it a 4*. Not worth the price at all.

20th October 2015

I've had several of Glenrothes offerings, starting with the 1991, and all of them have been decent. While the Select Reserve does vary, like any whiskey that isn't from a specific batch, I've never had a bad bottle. I have about 8 bottles of single-malt in the house at the moment, and I might choose any of them, depending on my mood, but for something that doesn't kill the budget, I've rarely found better. Smooth, nice fruity notes, and a lovely finish.

29th September 2015

This for me is everything I look for and enjoy in a Whiskey.The smell, the taste, and the lovely warm fealing it leaves.
But so many have left poor reviews and I couldn't understand why.
Recently I have bought myself a bottle of Talisker storm and found it Quite smokey and peaty.
So if you like a smokey bonfire aftertaste from your whiskey then this isn't for you but if you like a nice fruity spice aroma the Glenrothes is well woth a try, I love it :) .

26th September 2015

I just cannot understand the poor reviews that some have given this whisky. At the tender age of 64 I have drunk and enjoyed many styles and brands of whiskies over the years. This one has really impressed me. If you are a whisky snob and enjoy the not so subtle overtones of a whisky that tastes and smells like a bonfire then maybe this isn't for you. But for those who appreciate a smooth, mellow, creamy whisky then this is for you. As for adding water, sacriledge'

22nd June 2015

Rotten, strong alcohol odour . No taste at all ! Felt sick afer first glass and will never taste it again. Hooch is better !

28th May 2015

This expression isn't smooth. It's bland and has a nasty bitter aftertaste.

22nd May 2015

I'm new to single malt and found this to be the best yet tried. It's flavor is so wonderful, it's hard to try anything else. I love it!

6th May 2015

Unless there has been genuine quality issues, I just can not understand the few very critical reviews. At less than £35 it is a very good whisky,and when on offers at supermarkets brilliant value.
Fully agree with review below.

29th April 2015

I can't believe some of the reviews here of this lovely whisky.
I broadly agree with MoM tasting notes, i find it excellent value (sometimes slightly cheaper on offers in supermarkets), & better than many more expensive Speysiders.
Perhaps MoM should think of editing some of these reviews, as these give a very inaccurate impression. Some idiot actually wants the ABV brought DOWN! Add some water you retard!

22nd April 2015

I don't think so..rotten wood,very weak and unbalanced,bitter after taste,nothing from speyside, I'm glad I've tried miniature first rather waste my money of whole bottle.

21st February 2015

Really expensive for what it offers. No flavors, no smell, feels like it has too much alcohol. A disappointment...

16th February 2015

I think the only bad is 43%. 40% would let the taste come out easier. This way, alcohol gives a hint of brandy, for mixed emotions. I got it for free, so can't complain over the price.

All this from plain Glenlivet lover.

30th January 2015

So I got the little three bottle sampler pack of this whisky and the 2001 and the 1998. Well, even though I didn't buy a whole bottle of the Select Reserve, I think it's a better deal than the other two.

But then again, since it's NA, you never know what it will taste like next time around when a new batch comes out. Some times the distilleries will try to hook ya with a good one and then lower down the ages in the bottle. This batch is not bad. Let's hope it stays that way.

Even after my purchase, I think I will stick with the Quinta Rubin by Glenmorangie when I want creamy sweet and the Classic Laddie by Bruichladdich when I want creamy cereal notes and white chocolate-y goodness.

28th January 2015

Gave this as a grooms gift. Everyone loved it. Great smoothness and quality all around. None of the harsh burn or spice that' turns many off. Excellent choice!!

25th January 2015

no character,no flavors,not as described, a little bit iodine,thats all, disappointing...

11th January 2015

Another non-age statement whisky that is just like acid to my stomach. Struggled with every single dram of this. Loved the 1995 vintage which is a different beast altogether.

If you have £30 to spend, there is so much better out there than this. Glenfiddich 12, Glenmorangie 10, Old Pulteney 12, Glenkinchie 12, Aberlour 10 and Dalwhinnie 15 all offer much better value and are much better drams.

This should be £20 tops.

11th January 2015

Had this as a Christmas gift found it very rough no better then a 3 year old supermarket grain whiskey improves slightly with a drop of water but not worth the money

7th January 2015

Like drinking a blended scotch mixed with water. Bland. Pass

26th December 2014

Sip it and let it mellow on the tongue. Definitely has a nice finish. Great with a mild hand wrapped cigar.

24th December 2014

Noted the chocolaty coffee.

27th November 2014

found this to be a very pleasant drink - in the Highland Park ballpark, in that it's a very accessible whisky that's got soemthing to offer for the novice drinker but enough subtleties for the more experienced palate.

Not as complex or interesting as a Highland Park, but still well worth exploring if your tastes head in that direction.

23rd November 2014

Finally got around to trying this. Personally, I loved it. On the flavour spectrum, I found it closer to Dalmore or Macallan (perhaps Cardhu) than Highland Park, which is distinctly more smokey. I didn't find it had the 'sherbet' finish of Balvenie. I guess the one thing you can take from all these reviews is personal taste plays a big part in this whisky. Suck it and see.

13th November 2014

I'm a great fan of The Glenrothes vintage editions, and the Select Reserve is a poor match. Do yourself a favour, and try a vintage edition the next time; and don't forget to add a little spring water after pouring, it really does make a difference.

4th November 2014

Very special whisky!

12th October 2014

The nose and palate are quite toffee-y (some caramel and dried apples as well), but at the same time it has that moonshine flavour that is hard to accept. Thus, the balance is a bit off. Too spirity.

21st September 2014

On the nose, very strong vanilla with fruit. On the palate, a fleeting taste of something that reminded me of the smell of baby vomit (of which I've had a fair experience) but that was instantly displaced by something much more pleasant - a fairly complex depth and toasted sweetness that I wasn't expecting, finishing with a tang that I don't recognise (although I have no idea what a mocchaccino is). I generally prefer more peaty darkness and smoke, but this is a perfectly acceptable malt when not indulging in something Cuban (leaf, not heels).

8th July 2014

There are a couple of reasons why i give this whisky such a high rating.
1: Because i think this is by far the best whisky for any beginner, it`s so unbalievable smooth.
2: in the netherlands this is the best value for money you can get, i got this bottle for 26 euro.
3: It`s underated on this website, because some people gave it a half star, that just doesn`t make any sense.
4: I have never had any guest who didn`t like a glass from the select reserve, instead most people love it.

30th June 2014

The scotch that got me into scotch. Amazing for the price, it has the complexities of much more expensive single malts. Great shaped bottle too.

28th June 2014

Surprised at all the bad reviews. At first I didn't like it but by the time I finished the bottle I wad in love. It's different than most but I think it's better than most esp in the 55 dollar range. Highly recommended.

24th June 2014

Lovely , same style as Highland park or a pretty standard 12 year but not sure where the pig swill comes from , not top of the bill but certainly hits the mark. Balvenie Doublewood is quite close in flavour but its all down to choice.

28th May 2014

just picked up a bottle at Beverages and More, the sales person said that he has heard good things about the whiskey.
let me tell you..... it's bad enough to drive me to find this site and complain.
Nice packaging, too bad you can't drink that. my advice is pass like the wind it smells like.
cheers

10th May 2014

I was recently given this malt as a gift, and had never tried it before. I have been very pleasantly surprised by this Whisky and will certainly purchase it in the future.
As a Comparison I would typically select a Macallan (10 or 12yr old) as that would be my personal favorite until I tried Glenrothes Select Reserve.

29th March 2014

Love the whiskey, love the bottle. Easy drinking. Don't be put off by the lack of age statement.

20th February 2014

Never thought I 'd be disgusted by a single malt. It was nausiating, perhapps it was a bad bottling but I 'm not willing to give it another go.

6th February 2014

Adding a bit of water really opened it up. Smoothed it out and brought out the fruit and sweetness.

23rd January 2014

Had some bad experiences when young with Whisky and was put off for years. Recently went back to try then, buying miniatures and deciding if I need to buy another to check I liked it.
Not this baby. One miniature and one bottle later, loving it.
Took me through the bells at New Year.
Cheers

15th January 2014

This was a Christmas gift from a friend who usually gets me a Glenfidich or Glenmorangie. All I can say is that I am very happy that he came up with something new. This whiskey is a delight to savour and not one to be rushed.

13th January 2014

This was a Christmas gift. Surprised described as smooth. Initial flavors were my liking but quickly reminded me of drinking the kind of scotch most people hate. Will give this away and not buy for myself. Shocked at the price.

8th January 2014

The Flavour and Smells are just Devine. Just sat in front of a Roaring fire,chilling with a Large one, Cheers!

6th January 2014

I was given this Malt for Christmas and loved the smell as I opened the bottle and poured that first glass - excellent

3rd January 2014

I don't normally write reviews here, but I had to for this one. You may be put off by the lack of age statement, the lack of disclosure of the casks they used, and the general lack of marketing and presentation. Don't be. This whisky is no style, but all substance. The complex combination of sweet flavors of flowers, vanilla, and honey is perhaps the best expression of the bourbon aged style I have ever encountered. You may be put off by the price of this generic NAS bottling. Don't be. I got this in a 3-pack with the 1998 Vintage and the 2001 Vintage and this blew the other two out of the water. I'm sorry to gush, but this one is too good to ignore.

24th December 2013

My New Favorite Whiskey... Well Done Guys!!!

24th August 2013

This whisky is rich in flavor, similar to Balvenie Doublewood. I highly recommend it for new malt drinkers or for the more advance as well. Salud mis amigos!

4th August 2013

I love this whisky. It has some complex layers and always brings a smile to my face as I take my first mouthful

2nd March 2013

So smooth and tasteful. I am glad I tasted this whisky. Normale I can't afgord it myself.

15th January 2013

Just got this. Smells amazing. Haven't tried it yet.

12th December 2012

It is very difficult to find single malts in my country (Honduras) but glad this is one of the options.

6th December 2010

Enjoyed it but seems extremely close to the same profile as Glengoyne, Not a bad thing mind you; but grab whichever is cheaper :)

17th September 2010

Nice dram but the price is somewhat demanding for a no age statement whisky.

16th February 2010