Roseisle 12 Year 2023 Special Release Review
In-Depth Review
Like most people, I tend to use significant events to mark the passage of time. But as a millennial, I’ve grown up with hundreds of “once in a generation” type events so sometimes it’s hard to pick. But undoubtedly, the iPhone launch 2007 has always been such a moment. It crystalized when the world changed forever in an instant. It’s rare to find anything in Scotland newer than the iPhone. And yet, the iPhone is three years older than Roseisle Distillery – a Speyside distillery owned by Diageo and opened in 2010. Located just outside of Elgin, Roseisle was allowed to distill and age its stocks under the watchful eye of unnamed master distiller before releasing its first single malt in 2023. The fanfare was rampant. The expectations were high. And the bottles were limited.
Diageo decided to release the first single malt bottling of Roseisle to the world as part of its 2023 Special Releases collection. Coming in at a full 12 years of age, the specs of this bottle seemed promising. A distillery’s first release at full cask strength, featuring non-chill filtration, and no added color? Sign me up. Until I saw the price. It’s MSRP of $150 stunted my excitement. But when I stumbled upon a bottle in a Don Quixote shop in central Osaka, I couldn’t resist the chance to see one of Scotland’s newest distilleries in action. So, let’s dive in and see if Roseisle’s opening act demands a sequel.
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 56.5%
Cask: First fill and refill bourbon casks
MSRP: Around $150
Distillery Name: Roseisle Distillery
Review Date: 3/5/25
Color: Solid 14K Gold
Nose: The nose kicks off with rose petals, buttercream, Hubba Bubba bubblegum, whiffs of caramelized pears, fresh hay, warm oak, and waves of deep vanilla. This feels older than 12 years but never shirks its full cask strength character. A few drops of water calms down the nose significantly, bringing out more fruits and reducing the rose petals and hay.
Palate: Wow. Right out of the gate, the palate bursts with vanilla, spun sugar, milk chocolate caramels, and pistachio cake covered in warm honey syrup. This is a big, bold, Speysider with a heat that starts soft before quickly cranking up as it settles on the tongue. It’s also heavy, with an exceptional, waxy mouthfeel that demonstrates flashes of Clynelish-like brilliance.
Finish: The finish is long, warming, and fantastic; featuring crushed red pepper flakes, spiced cake, and hot honey syrup. Even with a few drops of water, the finish maintains a lingering, tongue numbing character.
Final Thoughts: Roseisle’s inaugural release is pure, classic bourbon barrel goodness. Even at 12 years old, it embodies the character of a whisky significantly older and will immediately grab the attention of anyone looking to break out of the finishing cask craze. It’s an honest whisky, trying to nail the basics at full cask strength. The mouthfeel is truly excellent, bringing both a building heat and a waxy character that might just worth writing home about. And while its MSRP is absolutely ridiculous (and is responsible for a few points off its score), if you can find it on significant sale, Roseisle’s 2023 Special Release will reward those looking for a refreshingly traditional expression on the cutting edge of scotch whisky.
