Scotch Whisky Review #164: Rosebank 12 Year Flora & Fauna

Distillery: Rosebank

Region: Lowland

Price: $22 for a 1 oz sample

ABV: 43%

Age: 12 Year

Color: 0.4, Jonquil/Ripe Corn.

Nose: (according to the wife) Its on the sweeter side of things. There’s the distinct smell of canned pineapples along with a lot of honey. Some fresh hay joins it to give it a little more depth.

Palate: It’s very bright from the start with a sharp bit of lemongrass and some form of a semi-tart citrus (I was thinking kumquat but couldn’t quite place it). The palate is dominated by a very refreshing and floral note of iced chamomile tea that’s been sweetened with wild honey. Very bright, very floral.

Finish: Medium to short in length. The bright fruitiness remains, only this time in the form of a tart green apple. The chamomile tea and wild honey notes remain as well.

Conclusion: This Flora & Fauna is the third in the series that I’ve had a chance to try after the Benrinnes 15 and Linkwood 12. At this point, I have to say I’m starting to get a little obsessed with the series. Every one I’ve had is very good, just like this one is. The nose is very inviting with the sweet fruits and honey. The palate is incredibly refreshing with that little bit of sharpness from lemongrass and citrus along with the chamomile tea. The finish introduces another fruit which keeps it interesting. Overall, a good whisky. Would I buy a bottle? Not at the current prices of $450.

Final Score: 82.

Scotch Whisky Review #164, Lowland Whisky Review #6, Whisky Network Review #225

Scoring Legend:

• 96-100: The perfect dram, nectar of the gods.
• 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky.
• 85-89: Amazing, will always try to keep a bottle of this in my collection (if feasible).
• 80-84: Very Good, maybe only one minor nitpick about the whisky keeping it here.
• 75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink.
• 70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get it.
• 60-69: Meh, still drinkable.
• Below 59: If you have a bottle of this, start cooking with it instead.