BB&R launches Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits is launching The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve. In a bid to be more transparent, the Speyside distillery has renamed the expression Alba Reserve as the Bourbon Cask Reserve. The name has been changed for the sake of simplicity and to aid consumer understanding.

The first certified kosher whisky from The Glenrothes distillery, Bourbon Cask Reserve is matured exclusively in American oak refill bourbon casks.

The distillery’s 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 1,250 parts per million, sherry is not kosher. Therefore, The Glenrothes developed an expression to satisfy Orthodox Jewish whisky enthusiasts as well as other aficionados of The Glenrothes.

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

The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve 40% ABV
 is already available in the US and will be gradually rolled out into key markets priced at £45 (€ 59, US$ 55, NT$ 2,600) per bottle.

26 March 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor