Distilled at Loch Lomond distillery, and independently bottled by A.D.Rattray.
A single malt from the Loch Lomond distillery, with bottlings dating from the 1960s until its discontinuation in 2000. The name Rhosdhu is today used internally by the distillery’s owner to classify one of its many spirit types: an unusual single grain produced by distilling 100% malted barley in a continuous still. The resulting whisky is bottled as Loch Lomond Single Grain.
Appearance
A slightly bronzed mid gold in colour, the medium thick swirl line on my Copita glass beads up immediately, and drops a few slow medium thick legs.
Nose
For 27 years old the nose is still quite potent, and first aromas are peaches and botanicals, quite juniper lead for me at the moment. Topping the glass brings a lovely fruit cocktail aroma, icing sugar and hot seared pineapple chunks.
More time and I’m getting lemon cheesecake, with that specific type of base, with oats, honey, and faint eucalyptus/menthol/ Kendal mint cake aroma.
Palate
The palate is quite viscous, it’s also quite Ex bourbon cask spicy. I’m sitting with this wondering if I’m getting sweet banana? I don’t get it very often, but I’m sure that’s what I’m getting at the moment. Vanilla is strong here, Cardamon is creeping in, so is toasted tea cakes, and even though this isn’t peated I am getting a Smokey feel.
The mouthfeel thickens over time, and I’m definitely getting coffee flavours, it’d be a specific type I’m sure, I wish I could be more accurate. I’ve noticed the whisky going slightly cloudy too. I’m now getting cigar leaves, chocolate raisins, espresso, and cask char, there is some drying too very late on.
Finish
Finish is medium in length for me, and the darker flavours are still here, with cherryade, and dandelion and burdock.
My thoughts
I have to say i feel rather privileged to try this days gone by whisky, from a still set up that hasn’t been used at Loch Lomond distillery since 2000, and that was instigated in the 1960’s. There are familiarities here with the tropical fruits that i get with newer bottles from Loch Lomond, but for it’s age this cask was a cracker. There’s lots going on on the nose, the palate is very nice, again there’s plenty going on to keep you entertained, and it develops wonderfully into the finish.
It certainly hasn’t lost anything in the 27 years it’s spent in slumber, and even though it doesn’t/didn’t come cheap, though going by today’s whisky prices it isn’t overly expensive for it’s age, i’d definitely have a bottle to savour.
Bottle image – Drink shop store.
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