The first single malt to be publicly available from Diageo’s Roseisle Distillery has been released as part of the drinks giant’s 2023 Special Releases series.
A 12 Year Old expression has been drawn from first and refill ex-bourbon casks and promises grassy, floral aromas tempered by sweet vanilla, nutty spices and a classic fruit-driven Speyside style.
Roseisle Distillery was built in 2009 on the same site as the famous Roseisle maltings in Morayshire. Spirit from the distillery has previously been destined to help craft the whiskies in Diageo’s extensive portfolio of blends, with this 12 Year Old marking the distillery’s debut in the single malt market.
With a capacity to produce over 10 million litres of spirit annually, Roseisle has the unique ability to produce a variety of ‘styles’ of whisky thanks to its 14 washbacks and an equal number of wash stills.
The distillery has also won awards for its sustainability efforts; an onsite biomass plant covers a large amount of the distillery’s energy needs, while heat-recovery technology allows potential heat waste from the distillery to help run the Roseisle maltings.
Diageo’s 2023 Special Releases collection has been named ‘Spirited Xchange’ and features eight whiskies with packaging designed by different artists from across the globe. These unique designs reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of the whiskies selected.
Roseisle’s release has been nicknamed ‘The Origami Kite’. The eponymous kite on the label symbolises the simple yet intricate process used to create the whisky and the centuries of craftsmanship shared by both whisky makers and master origamists.
Other expressions in this year’s collection include a 27 Year Old Glenkinchie, the annual 12 Year Old cask strength Lagavulin and a Mortlach named ‘The Katana’s Edge’ that has been finished in ex-Kanosuke Japanese whisky and ex-Pinot Noir casks.
The 12 Year Old Roseisle and the other whiskies within the 2023 range are exclusively available through Diageo’s website, and will be released for general sale later in the year.