Rosebank 8yo (40%, OB, b.1980s) (brought by JS): this is clearly the youngest Rosebank to pass these lips (so far). Nose: slightly more animal than expected from a Rosebank. Crème brûlée with caramel coulis. Mouth: mellow and sweet, with more crème brûlée and refreshing milk shake. Finish: vanilla, custard, daisies. Easy and agreeable. Love it. adc finds it more aggressive than the next. I disagree.
Rosebank 22yo 1981/2004 (61.1%, OB Rare Malts Selection): The oldest Rosebank I have had (so far). Nose: cooked pear, a whiff of leather, it seems quite discrete altogether, but opens up with time. Coconut, meadow flowers, grass, cola, perhaps. Mouth: yes, cola. Probably some kind of sherry influence -- it is slightly thicker and more robust than the previous, without becoming invading. Although there is enough black pepper to detect the power, it is a gentle dram. Finish: an explosion of spices. Black and Szechuan peppers, red, sweet chilli, saffron. It finishes on bay leaves and green tea. I had been told this one was too tired, but I disagree. It still has what it takes where it is needed. Three hours later, my tongue is still anaesthetised, though. Not good, that. At that point, I realise it is 61.1% ABV. Hardly a gentle dram (thanks pat gva for the sample). |
| An aggressive guest chased off a couple of geese |
Long later, we have another one as a digestive.
Lochside 30yo 1981/2011 (54.9%, Cadenhead's, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 246b): nose: stringent citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime), vanilla, almonds (adc). To me, it is dunnage warehouse, varnish and maybe a promise of exotic fruit with green pepper. Mouth: slightly stringent again (or we were out for too long and our lips are chapped :o) ). Tangerine juice, coconut milk (!?), sun cream. Finish: it remains one of those ridiculous drams that cannot not make you smile. Half-disappointing for a quarter of a second, then a shy explosion of passion fruit takes you by surprise. Yay! 9/10
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