Rosebank 17 Years Old 1991 Cask #2098 (G&M)

Single malt Rosebank, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling matured to 17 year old, from 1991, drawn from cask 2098 and bottled at 46%. 199 bottles in all. The Lowland Rosebank, established in 1840 in Camelon near Falkirk, in the Lowlands, was closed in 1993. The 108 foot chimney stood over Falkirk through the long silent years.

Triple distilled through three pot stills and condensed in wooden worm tubs, the make took the Rosebank style. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the Lowland character to the fore. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper tropical note to the florals. Refill oak flatters Rosebank, holding back its sweetness so the florals and citrus lead. The pairing of triple distillation and worm tubs was unique to Rosebank among Scotch distilleries. Blenders prized the malt for its elegant, floral character and unusual weight. Closed in 1993, the site fell derelict and its copper stills were stolen in 2008.

At 46% it is clean and elegant. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with lemon and cut grass. The mouthfeel is gentle, the honey carried on a waxy body. Marzipan and citrus see out a long finish. This is one of the great ghost whiskies of the Lowlands.