Rosebank 1981 25 Year Old

This Rosebank was part of Diageo’s 2007 special releases. Distilled in 1981, only 4’710 bottles were put on sale.

The nose is massive and has got something acerbic such as hints of furniture polish, wax and cardboard – not bad, rather very interesting. With water there are biscuits and lemon and a hint of coffee right at the end.

The palate is medium-bodied and oily, quite peppery and spicy, with hints of chocolate. With water it becomes less spicy and very round, with a touch of smoke arising very distinctly.

The finish is very long and voluminous, mouth-watering and warming. At the end there is a bouquet of vanilla, marzipan and lemon. With water the nose is even sweeter, there is more marzipan and a little bit of chocolate.

You would probably not expect smoke from a Rosebank but it was clearly there. In other words, this is not your typical Rosebank but I loved it! The nose was interesting to start with, however it was the simply outstanding finish that really captured my attention. What a pity that the chances to taste such an extraordinary Lowlander will become fewer and fewer.

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