OB 15yo Zenith Unblended 50% - Rosebank

[Malt-Teaser]

Rosebank "Unblended", 15y, Zenith, rare clear glass bottle, 50%

Nose: Is there a slight hint of peat in this Rosebank? Surely not! Then what is that very slight smokiness / peatiness on the nose? There is definitely some Scottish heather and moorland in this glass. Once again not exactly fruity, but then my experience of Rosebanks is usually floral.

Palate: Wow, at 50% this is quite strong for a Rosebank and it certainly hits the palate with some force. The over-riding first taste is one of violets, perhaps even those strange little sweets from my childhood called "Parma Violets". Even on a second taste, that violet floweriness just spreads across the palate and gently warms the mouth. Have I ever tasted a whisky which warms in this particular way? I really don't think so, I certainly can't remember one.

With 3 drops of water: The nose has evened out a little, it's no longer so powerful, the flavours are more complex too. The violet is still there, but it is now accompanied by many more floral notes. That Scottish moorland is certainly still evident, as is the heather basking in Autumnal sunshine, but there is more, much more .... A little drop more water creates a spiciness which wasn't present earlier .... but now ...... unfortunately, that's the end of my sample. Oh boy, this is a glorious dram and I wish I had more. In fact I have, I have a whole series of these old Rosebanks in my personal collection ....... But no matter how good they are, they are remaining sealed!