Roseisle Special Release 12 Years 2023

Roseisle Special Release 12 Years 2023 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Roseisle Distillery, located in the northern Speyside, close to the sea, northwest of Elgin, Scotland.
  • Type: Scotch Malt Whisky.
  • Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in a modern facility with two rows of seven giant pot stills. Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks as well as refill casks.
  • Age Statement: 12 years.
  • Color and Bottle Design: The whisky's color is not explicitly described, but the bottle design is noted to be similar to Diageo's Flora and Fauna series. The packaging is inspired by the origami kite, which is featured on the tube.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: Expected to have a typical Speyside profile with a balance of maltiness, fruitiness, and vanilla influence from the maturation process.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having an "exploding fruitiness" in the nose, with a sweet, full, and complex aroma. The taste is juicy, friendly, and gentle, with a light spiciness from the oak contributing to its complexity.
  • Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile suggests it would appeal to fans of traditional Speyside whiskies with a fruity and slightly spicy character.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Distillery Background: Roseisle Distillery was established adjacent to a significant industrial malting facility in Speyside, which supplies malt to many distilleries in the region. The distillery was built to support the growing need for malt whisky in blended whisky production.
  • Production Capabilities: The distillery is noted for its large industrial capacity and modern design. It reportedly has procedures in place to mimic the taste of other distilleries, aiding in the production of blended whiskies.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Speyside Influence: The whisky embodies the typical characteristics of Speyside malts, showcasing the region's signature maltiness and fruitiness. The distillery's location and its relationship with the surrounding maltings highlight its integral role in the Speyside whisky landscape.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "Exploding fruitiness in the nose, sweet, very fruity, a lot of sweetness. Wonderful." - Horst Luening
  • "A well publicly available malt whisky with that age for the broad masses...very well done a mix of characters which they are able to produce with their procedures." - Horst Luening

Summary

  • Roseisle Special Release 12 Years is a Scotch malt whisky from Speyside, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks.
  • Expected to have a typical Speyside flavor profile with a strong emphasis on fruitiness, sweetness, and a light spiciness from oak aging.
  • The distillery is modern and has a large capacity, designed to support the production of blended whiskies.
  • The whisky is part of Diageo's 2023 special releases, priced at €138.50, and is presented in packaging inspired by origami kites.
  • Horst Luening praises the whisky for its fruitiness, complexity, and suitability for a broad audience.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Speyside Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the classic Speyside profile of maltiness and fruitiness will likely enjoy this whisky.
  • Collectors and Connoisseurs: The first release from a relatively new distillery, especially one with a unique production capability, will appeal to collectors and those interested in the nuances of whisky production.
  • Fans of Cask Strength Whisky: With its cask strength of 56.5%, this whisky offers a robust experience that can be tailored to individual taste by dilution.