Nose: Intense vanilla, butter, spring flowers, cotton candy
Palate: Stone fruits, melon, sweet, barley notes. candied orange
Finish: Long, juicy, vegetal bitterness, honey, sweet ginger
Roseisle Distillery has made its way into Diageo's Special Releases last year with their 12 year old. It was an incredible expression, which made it to my Best Whiskies of 2023 list at number 5. Its major power was being simple in the very best way.
Simplicity Made For Perfection
With the Special Releases 2024, we see another Roseisle 12 Year Old in the roster. This time at a lower abv of 55.6% which is marked as 'Natural Cask Strength'.
"What if simplicity made for perfection, like the folds of a kite?" is the phrase in the pamphlet for Rosisle 12. Building on my description from last year, I couldn't agree more.
How Does It Taste?
The nose opens with an inviting nose of intense vanilla, buttery richness, and the delicate fragrance of spring flowers, complemented by a hint of cotton candy sweetness.
On the palate, vibrant notes of stone fruits and melon intertwine with the gentle sweetness of barley and a touch of candied orange, creating a harmonious and layered experience.
The finish lingers beautifully, offering a juicy depth with a subtle vegetal bitterness, balanced by the warmth of honey and a whisper of sweet ginger.
Verdict?
Last year's Roseisle 12 was an incredible example of simplicity at its best. The margin put with that whisky was so high, and for that reason I kept my expectations a little bit lower for this year's.
I am a simple man who loves 'simply good' whiskies. Roseisle 12 Origami Kite II is at that point, but a little bit less complex than last year's expression.
Tasting them side by side, I love how waxy the 2023 version is. However, I love the vanilla and floral qualities of 2024 version. This year is a little bit more bitter and spicy in front of the tongue meanwhile, there was a little bit of chilli and chocolate notes last year.
Definitely, one of the highlights again with its age and quality.