Rosebank SMWS 25.32 Bath Salts and Raspberry Jam

So, this was a limited release of around 211 bottles by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, of an 11 year old unnamed (and silent) distillery named something like ROSEBANK! Finished in port pipe. I scored a sample from Master of Malt, and decided to save it, giving myself some treat at the end of a long set of sampling misses and hits. Sometimes, we make good life choices. This was, for me, one of those times.

Nose: This is a proud glory! Red berries and -yes- jam. Menthol brings it in along with lots of dry herbs. Floral (violets, rose, and irises) and soapy, but entirely excellent. Sweet cream, malt, and fine wood polish. Maybe even a little trace of apple juice and (red) apple skin.

Palate: Wha?! I forgot to check. This is 54.3%. Rich, thick, and syrupy. And maybe a little hot, but still sippable in drips and drops. Honey. Apple and slightly salty jam. Clove and superbly integrated wood. Bitter syrupy liqueur. The transition at mid-palate, there is nothing but finesse. Maybe something a little gamey, too. Let's just call it chicken in waffles. I'm going with it.

Finish: Classy like a smouldering fire. Touch of smoke. Tree bark comes out more, along with herbs, salt, and delicate and delicious fruit. We find drops of honey spread through it. A winner from start to finish. With water, on the nose, the red fruits (strawberries!) come out in droves, along with some honey and wood. Soft and dangerously delicious on the palate. My regret: I do not have a bottle, and I have only half my sample left. A-/A (93.5)

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