Roseisle is becoming a regular name in the Special Releases. After two 12 year olds in 2023 and 2024, we’re now getting a 14 Year Old. The oldest Roseisle so far.
Its nice to try this distillery on its own, apart from its purpose in the Johnnie Walker blend. However my advice to Diageo would be to give Roseisle its own series. The Special Releases are not the right podium for new distilleries, in my opinion.
Roseisle 14 yo ‘Harmonic Grace’ (55,9%, OB Special Releases 2025, refill + rejuvenated casks)
Nose: very punchy, slightly less bright and inviting than how I remember the previous releases. Apple peelings and lemons, along with green plums and freshly cut grass. Hints of white pepper, something lightly metallic as well. Then whipped cream with bags of vanilla, along with peanuts and some rich, pronouncedly toasted oaky notes.
Mouth: modern whisky. Citrus, a lot of vanilla notes, hints of buttery biscuits and white pepper. A vague green fruitiness, with some acidity and gingery punch. Then a beer-like note, hints of mint and increasing herbal notes underneath. The rejuvenated casks bring some loud spices, as well as a darker hint of caramelized nuts, bread crust and roasted coffee beans in the distance.
Finish: medium, with aniseed and ginger, sweet and grassy cereals and lemon peels.
Technically flawless, albeit without much emotion. Roseisle is always convincing, just a little ‘so what?’, if you know what I mean. The third release adds some toasted wood influence, but is still very similar to the previous ones. A more interesting cask combination next time? Already available from retailers like The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance, as well as many local retailers.