Whisky: Loch Lomond Old Rhosdhu 29 Year (1993), WhiskySponge No. 67

Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands

ABV: 57.1%

Cask: Refill Hogshead

Age: 29 Years (Distilled 1993, Bottled 2022)

Nose: Juicy fruits, slightly tropical, subtle musty florals and spice, lacquered hardwood, achiote, hints of white pepper.

Palate: Medium-bodied, tangy tropical fruit, green melon, vanilla, wood and palm debris, bamboo, coconut husk, hints of brown sugar.

Finish: Medium-length and drying with tinned lychee, wood, and hints of cola.

Score: 6-7

Mental Image: Bamboo Shave Ice Stand

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was juicy and slightly tropical, with mango, plums, cantaloupe, and bruised sunrise papayas. A mustiness ran throughout, tying together flower gardens, black pepper, achiote, white pepper, and lacquered hardwood. With jackfruit, coconut husk, and cured bamboo, I imagined prepping barbecue supplies in a beach park pavilion. Medium-bodied, the profile provided tangy tropical fruits atop a woody backbone. Fresh-cut chunks of green melon mixed with blue vanilla, mango, pandan, and lychee syrups. It was all tropical fruit-flavored shave ice with wood—wooden spoons, wooden benches, and scattered palm tree debris. Earth developed with a light astringency as woody bamboo, coconut husk, lacquered hardwood, and hints of brown sugar lingered. The finish was medium-length and drying with tinned lychee, wood, and hints of cola.

Old Rhosdhu is not to be confused with Rhosdhu— though they are both Loch Lomond products. The Old Rhosdhu style of single malt was discontinued in 2000. In contrast, Rhosdhu, a single grain made from 100% malted barley, is still produced by Loch Lomond. Both are more typically used internally at Loch Lomond than by independent bottlers or retailers, so the distinction is not worth losing sleep over, though I find it a funny quirk.

There were some lovely elements to this, especially the tangy tropical fruits. Yet, the wood influence was a bit too strong for my taste, especially on the palate. A few drops of water brought out some latent cola and coca but also seemed to further accentuate the woody elements. I would not go so far as to say this whisky was just a curiosity, but certainly, the fact that it was something of a whisky curiosity made it more fun to taste and share with friends than the score might indicate.