Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old - Brave New Spirits ‘Bonnie Banks and the Call of the Past’ - 48.6%

 

Fresh from the successful release of their Voodoo range comes the Cask Noir Editions series from Brave New Spirits. As the name suggests, the range takes inspiration from classic movies and novels from a bygone era, whilst giving a nod to the distillery itself.

The Cask Noir Editions series will be comprised predominantly of single cask bottlings, mainly single malts with the occasional single grain. All presented at cask strength, with no added colour and no chill-filtration.

‘Bonnie Banks and the Call of the Past’ is a 28 year old Old Rhosdhu single malt from a Bourbon hogshead and bottled at 48.6% abv.

‘Call of the past’ is a reference to the age of the whisky and the old brand produced at Loch Lomond from the 1960s through to 2000. Bonnie Banks is the first appearance of a potential character who may reappear in future Cask Noir releases.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as thick, slow legs.

Nose: Sweaty feet, gooseberries, green grapes and new mown grass

Palate: Gooseberry fool, stewed apples, pineapple upside down cake, green grape skins, fruity with a definite hint of acidity.

Finish: Becomes progressively more sour and slightly woody, barrel char and a touch of peppery heat.

Overall: Not the most pleasant nose of the whiskies I’ve tried but the palate made up for it. Plenty of fruit, with an acidity lending a pleasant sourness to proceedings although a little too much for me towards the finish. 

Enjoyable and interesting, but at a price of just over £215 not one I could justify purchasing. It’s a whisky for those who like to try the more unusual, and have the budget to go with it. A real pleasure to try though, and very grateful to Brave New Spirits and The Whisky Wire to be given the opportunity.