The Glenrothes distillery has long been admired for its naturally sweet, fruity spirit, a perfect canvas for sherry cask magic. In this Darkness limited edition, that elegance is given a bold twist through a finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry octave casks. The smaller barrels allow the whisky to absorb rich, concentrated sherry notes far more quickly, creating a dram that’s both luxuriously deep and vibrantly expressive. This 12-year-old release is a masterclass in how sherry cask finishing can elevate an already exceptional Speyside whisky into something unforgettable.

Darkness – Glenrothes 12 Year Old 1st Fill Oloroso Octave Cask Finish 50cl – Limited Edition
Brand: Darkness / Glenrothes | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 56.6% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | Vol.: 50cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Bursting with ripe plums, figs, and sweet raisins, backed by honeyed malt and soft cinnamon spice.
Palate: Silky yet intense, with rich sherry sweetness, stewed red fruits, dark chocolate, and toasted almonds.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering nutmeg, dried fruit, and a gentle oak dryness.

Production Details:
Matured for 12 years in traditional casks before an additional period in first-fill Oloroso sherry octave casks. The octave size ensures enhanced wood influence, drawing out bold layers of sherry character. Bottled at natural cask strength, with no chill-filtration or added colouring.

Perfect For:
Fans of rich Speyside drams, sherry cask enthusiasts, and collectors of limited-edition small-batch whiskies.

Expert Notes:
“A decadent dance between Glenrothes’ orchard fruit elegance and Darkness’s signature sherry power.”

Customer Reviews:
“Deep, luxurious, and dangerously moreish.”
“Perfect balance between sweetness and spice.”
“A limited edition worth hunting down.”

Interesting Fact:
An octave cask is roughly one eighth the size of a traditional sherry butt, which means more wood contact per drop, creating a richer, more intense flavour in a shorter time.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat to savour the full spectrum of flavours, or with a drop of water to reveal softer fruit and spice notes.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1879, The Glenrothes distillery is renowned for producing whisky with a natural sweetness and complex layers of fruit and spice. Its spirit pairs exceptionally well with sherry casks, making it a favourite among whisky lovers who enjoy a smooth yet flavour-packed dram. Darkness has built its reputation on bold sherry maturation, often using small octave casks to maximise flavour intensity and this collaboration captures the very best of both worlds.