The Basics:

Character: Light, orchard fruit, cereal.

Score: 86/100

The details:

When Roseisle came fully online in 2010, a collective shiver ran down the spines of Scotch enthusiasts. Here was big business, consolidation, and the ultimate reminder of the economic side of whisky perfectly encapsulated in one, giant distillery. From its inception, Roseisle’s purpose was to produce vast amounts of malt whisky in any style to efficiently provide fillings for blends of any type needed at a single, centralized location. Parent firm Diageo’s stated intent was to take pressure off its existing malt distilleries, with the subtext being that more of their whisky would eventually be available as single malt. Nonetheless, there was an unspoken fear that Diageo might use Roseisle as an excuse to shutter some of their older, less efficient, and less adaptable facilities. 

So far, that hasn’t happened, and Roseisle has chugged along doing its thing rather quietly. Until the 2023 Special Releases were announced, no Roseisle had been bottled officially, or even independently, although it is possible it has shown up as a sourced bottling. 

This 12 year old, somewhat mysteriously dubbed “The Origami Kite” is the inaugural release from Roseisle, and given the distillery’s purported purpose, it’s unlikely it will be widely available any time in the near future. Like all the bottlings in the Special Releases, it is cask strength at a lively 56.5% abv, although there is no clear specification on chillfiltration or added coloring. My guess is that the Special Releases are all integrity presentation (the color certainly looks natural on this one), but of course it would be nice if Diageo would be fully transparent on that front, especially given the price tag; even at today’s inflated prices, well north of $100 for a 12 year old whisky feels extortionate. The liquid itself is nice, well-made stuff, that’s definitely nice to try if you can afford it; but, it’s nothing spectacular, either.

Roseisle 12 – The Origami Kite, 56.5% abv

Tasting notes:

Nose: At first rather dusty and grainy with light notes of melon-cantaloupe and watermelon. Then light honey, becoming bubblegum. Fresh kiwi and traces of sour cherry. Finally, becoming apple-y.

Body: Medium and a bit oily.

Palate: Very fruity and honeyed. There’s still melon–sweet watermelon and cantaloupe. There’s also some ripe cherry. Becoming slightly more apple-y, with notes of clove and spiced honey.
Finish: Medium to longish–spiced apple sauce. Cinnamon stick. Becoming dusty; apple peel.

Score: 86/100

Who should buy it?: People who already know they like single malt Scotch and are looking to try as many Scotches as they can. Fans of well-made whiskies in a lighter, fruitier vein. If you’re new to Scotch, or if you’re obsessed with either peat or sherry, skip it.

Overall thoughts: A quality inaugural release, but also pretty poor bang for your buck. This one is only worth your while if you aren’t missing meals and are deep into trying different single malts just to try them. You’ll likely enjoy this dram, but I’d be amazed if you were blown away by it.

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