28/07/2021 Rosebank

Rosebank 12yo 1991/2004 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Bourbon Barrel, C#4710, 322b, b#49, 04/0638): nose: it is a little thin and spirit-y, though not quite vinegar-y, but as surprisingly as every other time I have had this, it has a thin veil of smoke, akin to faded flowers thrown into a domestic fire. Next to that is a combination of yellow flowers (buttercups, daffodils) and soft beeswax. As a matter of fact, over the space of five minutes, smoke disappears altogether to be entirely replaced by waxy notes of yellow plum and apple peels, as well as a dollop of plasticine. Perhaps one would detect dandelion stems too, sappy and leafy. The second nose brings an almost-minty freshness to complement a fruity Chablis. Unexpectedly, that all transforms into dusty dunnage warehouse and ash ground, after a while. What a ride! Mouth: well, there is definitely some smoke here too, playing along candlewax and spent wick. This palate is as waxy as the nose, with plum skins, apple peels and old modelling clay, yet there is a bitterer side to it; this time, the dandelion stems from the nose seem more pronounced, and the sap is, well, more bitter, if not frankly rubbery. The second sip strangely seems hotter than the first, bringing green chilli pepper into the picture for wax and heat. The mouthfeel goes from milky to gently drying on the gums, which makes me think of some white wines (Chenin blanc, probably). Finish: it is very easy at 43%, perhaps a bit too easy: it might have benefitted from a higher strength. The final notes are a compilation of the above, with wax, flowers and thin smoke, all carried by a milky texture. Here are also dry white wine, distant dandelion stems, candlewax and spent wick, all cloaked in smoke from a candle. Oh! A drop of chocolate milk makes a late appearance, and that is as pleasant as it reads. 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, kruuk2)