Scotch

Whisky Review: Rosebank 17 Year Old Cadenhead Mini

This expression is something of a mystery. It seems that this Rosebank 17 Year Old was released only as a miniature.

OVERALL RATING

8
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

A distillery that closed in 1993 and was bottled by Cadenhead’s? Good luck getting hold of any of this. From the research we’ve conducted there has never been a full sized bottle of this sold through auction, or currently on sale across the world. This is a very different style of Rosebank. It’s heavier, darker and not the usual delicate, floral style of lowland whisky that we would all be used to. The first new casks of Rosebank were filled in July of 2023, just over thirty years since the distillery closed. So we should have something new on the horizon soon.
Appearance:
Gently sherried
Nose:

Hot toffee sauce! This is already different to any other Rosebank I’ve had. They’ve all been ex-bourbon in the past. Musty old things like leather, books, and an old library. Had a memory of the old Benromach 100 Proof to it. This warm, sweet sauce topping that has pineapple, raisin and sultant just soaking in flavour.


Palate:
Classic Rosebank approach of slow and steady. Apples, raisins, cinnamon, blackberry, and very comforting winter fruit notes that add to this sticky toffee pudding motif it has going on.
Finish:
Back to the pineapple now. This fights for the spotlight with elderflower, more toffee sauce and warm sponge cake. Big flavours fighting it out at the end.
Comments:
I’ve always been in the ‘I don’t get Rosebank camp’. But bias aside, this is a very liquid that deserves its plaudits.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash