Tasting Notes by Adelphi;
A Limited Edition of only 495 bottlesRossend Castle is the oldest building in the ancient Royal Burgh of Burntisland, in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. Although its present name dates from the early 18th Century, at least as far back as 1383 the castle was owned by the Durie Family, who extended an older building. It was still in the family when Mary Queen of Scots stayed there in 1563, and was held by them until 1584. The current owners, the Hurd Rolland Partnership Chartered Architects, saved the castle from demolition in the 1960’s and carefully restored it to its former glory. The Durie Family has commissioned Adelphi to select this 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky commemorating their long and historic connection with Rossend Castle and the surrounding estates of Cunyngarland, Kinghorne Wester and Grange.Traditionally, Scotch whisky is matured in oak casks, previously used for Bourbon or Sherry, for a minimum of three years. The Adelphi nosing team, chaired by whisky expert Charles MacLean, is dedicated to finding the unique casks of Scotch whisky where the wood and whisky have “married” perfectly. For the Rossend Castle single malt, Adelphi has chosen just two casks, aged for 15 years, to be bottled at natural colour and unchill-filtered, retaining the maximum flavour and texture of the whisky. The colour is harvest gold, the nose is soft and rich, with pineapple chunks and spiced pears, and an intriguing waxy smokiness, reminiscent of both faded incense and allspice. These aromas hold together well when water is added, joined by oak lactones (whin bushes, coconut), a trace of lemon grass and soft brown sugar. The taste is very sweet and voluptuous, with a light acidity to lend freshness. Medium length finish, with oaky flavours lingering in the aftertaste. A near perfect balance of original and mature chacteristics.