Tasting Rosebank (Singatory Vintage 1991)

    On a shitty (pardon the language), cold and dreary spring/winter day; we (both myself and my better half), were invited a friends place for the evening.  We watched the Leafs loose (big surprise there), and shared a bottle of fine vintage wine.  Trius Red from 1999, absolutely fantastic, set our palates for a treat after.

    The wine, bottled in 1998, and quietly aged in the secret cellar of @WineGuyTO was fantastic.  The first nose reveals a closed wine (it's been bottled for a decade), but strong deep fruits.  As the wine opened, amazing red fruits, and rich flavors abound.  A highly recommended wine for purchasing.  Grab a couple of bottles and store them away for a later date!

    Onto the good stuff.....  1991 Rosebank (Signatory Bottling).  Served at 43%, with no colour added and no.  The distillery closed in 1993 and has since become something of a collector's item.  All bottles fetch price's far in advance of the liquid within; which is quite sad seeing as how the spirit is quite good.  There are still some individuals that are determined to show through, collecting is not what Whisky is about.  Open a bottle and taste the spirit within, enjoy something that has taken years to evolve.  Pandering for bottles aside... here is a review on the run.

Rosebank 1991 11 Year Old Single Malt (Lowland Single Malt) (375 ML @ 43% ABV Signatory Bottling)

• Colour – Pale white wine, much like fresh straw.  No trace of gold or amber.


• Body – Legs form slowly, tears appear a small (indicative of slightly higher proof)


• Nose  – Oh Baby!  Young but not underdeveloped.  Faint hints of grain and aftershave, fresh grasses and citrus.  Sharp notes dominate the nose, with undertones of vanilla, flowers and oak smoke.  The grassy youth of this Rosie plays wonderfully into the soft malty notes.


• Palate – Citrus notes dominate the palate.  Sweet and sour lemon permeates. Very gentle smoke in the background, subtle but balanced with the citrus notes creating a greater effect.  Bourbon cask becomes present with gentle vanilla notes balancing the citrus.  Grassy notes coming through with both subtle florals and gentle wood smoke to round out the palate.


• Finish – Mouth feel is sharp, and fast. Palate blooms quickly, develops fast and fades. Finish is short, balanced with sweet, sour and smoke. Sweet grass (like wheat grass) and gentle wildfower honey in finish.


• Empty Glass – Empty glass shows poignant notes of citrus rind (sweet lemons like Meyer) and gentle wood notes. The bourbon cask is apparent; balanced with a gentle subtle caramel note.