This is the sixth and penultimate Rosebank in the Roses series from Speciality Drinks. It is a combination of 1990 and 1991 triple-distilled spirit, matured for 21 years in a mixture of bourbon and madeira casks. These were some of the last casks to be held in private hands.
I also reviewed Jealousy and Fascination. The final release ‘Enchantment’ arrived this year.
Rosebank 21 yo ‘Unity’ (52,7%, Speciality Drinks ‘The Roses’ 2022, bourbon + Madeira casks, 840 btl.)
Nose: a highly floral aroma. White flowers alongside a fresh, grassy meadow character. Gingery notes, lemons and grapefruit peels. Then a buttery and waxy side appears, with slightly darker almond notes. Plain cereals, linseed oil and light chalk as well.
Mouth: very citrusy, with grapefruit and lemon peels standing out. Sunflower oil and lemon balm. Dried grass, pine needles, chalk again. The spirit is light but the spiciness of the Madeira gives it more depth. Sweet and toasty wood comes out, as well as powdery grist.
Finish: medium length, light and fresh, with peppery spice and green citrus.
From memory this is really similar to the others in this series. A light Rosebank spirit, perhaps a little too neutral for my taste but nicely fresh and gentle. Sold out, so you’ll have to look at the secondary market. Check Master of Malt or Mark Littler’s website for instance.