Roseisle is a relatively young distillery, and probably not many would have predicted that it would appear among Diageo’s annual Special Releases, where it has been given the title The Origami Kite. It is aged in a mix of first-fill bourbon casks and refill casks before being bottled at cask strength (56.5%) as 12 years old. An unusual and rare whisky, which probably won’t stay on the shelf for very long.
Dark molasses sails smoothly while sticky stewed fruits and vanilla cream emerge for a soaring expression.
Fill ex-bourbon first and refill casks.
The horizon dissolves into a rich palette of deep burgundy and shades of dark plum. Against this swirling background of fantastic colors, an elegant dragon twists and turns in its magical way. Built on centuries of craftsmanship, combining wonder and simplicity, these immaculate folds of delicate paper drive the wind towards the clouds. Paper, wood, string and a touch of alchemy send the kite maker’s creation soaring.
At Roseisle Distillery, whiskey making is a masterful fusion of simple elements to create a stunning single malt that soars with deep flavor. Notes of sweet vanilla sail smoothly through this tall expression, from which come deep, delicious notes of rich, sticky stewed fruit.
Soft, with a little tingle, the aroma is lush. Rich in promise, with light hints of vanilla, but also complex and tightly integrated. The sweet vanilla aroma increases; underneath are notes of ripe fruit and white chocolate. Softly creamy in texture, the palate is rich and sweet, with rising notes of fruit and spiciness that bring a balancing warm complexity to lift the palate towards the rich, long finish.
Tasting notes
Nose
On the soft nose, the overall impression is ‘lush’, meaning rich in promise, with the light sweetness of vanilla, a touch of molasses and some grain, but also complex and well-integrated, with fruity and nutty notes to explore. The top notes suggest a light vanilla sponge with butter glaze; this aroma increases in development; hints of ripe peach and white chocolate lie underneath. All these notes are subtle and reserved.
Palate
Softly creamy in texture and sweet in taste, with vanilla glaze, before a spicier complexity brings balancing richness. There are several notes of vanilla mid-palate hovering over a deep fruitiness, and the sweetness lasts throughout. Very appealing to drink, both straight and with a splash of water to soften and sweeten it.
Exit
Long, finish richly sweet and slightly spicy, with a touch of white pepper. A splash of water enhances the sweetness.
