Rosebank 10 Year Old (Chieftain's Choice)

Rosebank enjoys the reputation of having produced some of the best Lowland whiskies in her day. Unfortunately, the distillery was closed in 1993 and the buildings have been partly sold for a housing project.

The version I tasted was not the better known Fauna & Flora bottle, but the rather obscure Chieftain’s Choice (Ian McLeod Distillers), distilled in 11/1991 and bottled at the age of 10 years in 02/2002 at 43% ABV. It has matured on a sherry cask, number 4374 (which produced 930 bottles). I found out it rather hard to get a hold of this bottle nowadays.

The dram is very light and a little clouded (un-chillfiltered?). Nice tears, good stuff!

The nose hints at flowers, heather, sherry and reminds me of those typical little Belgian waffles with vanilla (if you live in Belgium, you probably know what I'm talking about). Even a little cut grass and some pear. Upon the second whiff you may even detect a bit of smoke in the distance, hardly noticable.

This Rosebank is very sweet and light with marzipan, citrus, syrupy pears, orange peel and a tad spicy. Rather dry with the wood clearly manifesting itself. Great Scott, this is good dram!

The finish is medium to long, heartwarming and sweet.

This was pure pleasure. If you ever get the chance to taste this one, don't let it pass you by!

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