Rosebank 1979 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1993) 70cl

Originally established back in 1840, Rosebank ceased production in 1993 when former owner UDV [now Diageo], mothballed the site. After 25 years of silence, the Rosebank brand has been resurrected by Ian Macleod Distillers. From the pre-1993 period, bottlings are very scarce, with most being released by independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail. This particular one was laid down in 1979 and bottled for the celebrated Connoisseurs Choice series in 1993. Nose - First some completely dried out bouillons. Then champagne that's lost its bubbles, and some faint spices and varnished wood. Smells a bit watery. Taste - A round profile with a watered down, yet still quite rich, spicy sherry bite that's very different than contemporary sherry casks. Finish - Slightly dry, with faint sherry oak. Here you really feel the 40%, sadly.