Category: Rosebank

Dram Review: Zenith Rosebank 12 Years Old

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[43.0%・12 Years Old・Distilled Circa 1975・Bottled in 1987・Zenith Bottling・Limited Release]

Nose:

Pleasingly old school, gently malt, mild fruitiness and light creaminess. A slight respectful citrus brings a vibrant note. All is rounded and well balanced.

Palate & Finish:

A gentle and crisp drop, honey, limestone and hay wrapping the dry malt. Just a subtle hint of raisins gifting some citrus on the backend before the dram reverts to its malty core, playful and even.

A lingering loveliness of malt and honey with

a condensed jammy sweetness blossoming..

Thoughts:

A beautiful, rustic malt. The attractive softness of an Italian Rosebank embodied. Close to scoring two stars..

☆ [Recommended]

-Nicholas

Dram Review: Rare Malts Rosebank Aged 20 Years

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[60.3%・20 Years Old・Distilled in 1979・Bottled in 1999・Diageo Bottling・Limited Release]

Nose:

Green fruits and aloe vera but the strength lends an exciting raw sandalwood note. Malted barley soothed with rose water infused simple syrup emitting this lighthearted floral vibe.  In time white pepper with hint of salted popcorn.

Palate & Finish:

Sticky syrup turns elegant with honey and vanilla blossoming and dispersing and elderflower syrup and soft fruits gliding through, the oak gives a spicy punch as icing sugar is seasoned onto gentle white peaches and oranges.

Buttery pastry with more soft fruits coming on, hint of pepper to go with some grapefruit peels, ultra-pleasing.

Thoughts:

I was worried at this strength the dram might be excruciatingly spicy but needless to say the dram is a real treat from Rosebank at its fruitiest, delicious and playful.. a dram that would be dearly missed..

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

-Nicholas

Dram Review: Gordon & MacPhail Rosebank Cask No. 2112

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[46.0%・18 Years Old・Distilled in 1991・Bottled in 2009・Gordon and MacPhail Bottling・Cask No. 2112・Single Cask Release]

Nose:

Ahhh, this is a fruit bomb, very jammy and absolutely gorgeous.  Caramel and fruit bouquet intertwining together to present a clean landscape, the subtle oak influence elevates the nose with the hint of charred oak going really well with the vanilla and star fruits.

Palate & Finish:

Clean and vibrant with an enchanting juiciness, crisp pears and elderflower, exceptionally delicious and mesmerising as the marvellous flavours are joined by coconut cream and fresh oranges.

The finish is subtle but shows finesse, the wee cask influence, chiefly of milk chocolate and lime twists, joins the chorus.

Thoughts:

What a wonderful dram, a classic fruity Rosebank, this one is sorely missed in particular.

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

-Nicholas