First Impressions
Rock Rose Citrus Coastal Edition builds on the award-winning Original with locally foraged kelp from Shore Seaweed, Hebridean liquorice salt from the Hebridean Mustard Company, and lemon verbena grown in the distillery's own geodome. Distilled using traditional vapour infusion in Caithness — Scotland's most northerly mainland point.
Tasting
The nose shows warm juniper transitioning to bright lemon and verbena — a fresh coastal breeze. On the palate, a delightful balance of fresh citrus with oceanic umami from the kelp — smooth and delectably sweet with a subtle salted edge. The finish carries a hint of salinity from the liquorice salt with lingering citrus and bracing sea air.
The Bottom Line
Rock Rose Citrus Coastal earns an 8 for capturing the Caithness coastline in citrus form. The kelp-liquorice salt combination creates a maritime umami that is completely distinctive, and the distillery-grown lemon verbena adds genuine provenance. Packed with flavour and understanding of balance that comes from true expertise.
