Rosebank 31 Year Old 1990 Release Two

Two years ago Ian Macleod distillers, the new owner of Rosebank, launched a 30-year-old from the last stocks from 1990. I found it incomparably delicious. The expectations are therefore high for this Release Two, also from 1990, but in the meantime a year older and a slightly lower alcohol percentage (Release One was still at 48.6%). It again comprises of no less than 4,000 bottles. Pricey creature, that is a fact, but we just have to try it, right?

The nose is a heavenly mix of papaya, grapefruit, pomelo, nectarines, peach, Granny Smith apples and freshly cut grass. In that respect, it is very close to the previous release, but it is just a little more elegant, just a little softer and just a little more floral. But also, a little more impressive.

That fruitiness returns on the palate in full regalia, supplemented with a touch of woodsmoke and a nice bitterness as of orange zest. A soft spiciness provides some warmth. Perfectly balanced. This is so soft and elegant; it’s almost as if an angel peed on my tongue.

The finish is medium long, with the bitterness manifesting itself even more fiercely.

Rosebank's spirit of yesteryear is so heavenly... Ian Macleod will have to do their best to match this. But with triple distillation continued, traditional washbacks and worm tubs and excellent wood management, it looks like Rosebank is once again in good hands.

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