Rosebank 21 y/o - Grace - 52,6%
Photo taken somewhere in Stuttgart
This lovely bottling of the closed distillery Rosebank was one of my personal highlights of this years Whisky Show London 2019 and a true Whisky Unicorn.
Is it senseful to review something that almost nobody will ever have the chance to try?
Well, it's even necessary sometimes in order to tell the history and passion of Whisky craftsmanship.
But let's not rush, I'm already anticipating.
Nose
When I close my eyes I can clearly compare the journey of this dram to a leisurely afternoon boat trip down the river in spring. Besides me sharing the ride is the most elegant lady (obviously this whisky is not called Grace by chance). As we row leisurely down the river we get served a bowl full of fresh apples, crushed nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds and macadamia. This mixes with the subtle perfume of our companion that combines layers of green tea and a distinct hint of smoke in perfect harmony with the fine soap residue upon her fresh skin. After a while we pass some flower fields with jasmine, orange blossoms and roses.
With a few drops of water it gets more delicate and fresher with cut vanilla pods, lemoncake and a suggestion of pure oxygen.
I cannot recall a greater complexity combined with such an orchestra of beautiful scents.
Palate
The elegance continues with a mellow, but dense and delicate sweetness and a very creamy texture. Green apples, noble teas and even some white wine (best Riesling you can get). Perfectly balanced between the sweetness and a slight bitterness of orange peels. That tingling soapiness again.
Finish
Medium long with a warming honey sweetnees.
I can only compare the finish to the gentle accidental brush of our elegant lady on your skin that leaves you graving for more.
Rating
We are not the biggest fans of Lowland Whiskies, but this Rosebank is a real masterpiece. This is how inactive oak and a lot of time can treat a whisky.
