June 7th 2024.
The Rosebank Distillery, long known as the sleeping giant of Scottish distilleries, has finally awakened after decades of closure. The highly anticipated revival of this Falkirk ghost distillery is thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ian Macleod Distillers. Many thought this iconic landmark would be lost forever, but thanks to the meticulous restoration work over the past four years, the spirit of Rosebank is flowing once again.
The first cask was filled in June 2023, marking a significant moment for both the Falkirk community and the global whisky community. Stuart Hendry, representing Ian Macleod Distillers, expressed his excitement about the revival, saying, "This is a huge moment for the people of Falkirk and the global whisky community. It has been an absolute pleasure to witness Rosebank reawaken, with its original distillation methods at the heart of the stunning new buildings that pay homage to its past."
The iconic characteristic of Rosebank, its three copper stills, have been faithfully recreated based on original distillery drawings. These now stand proudly in the glass-fronted still house, where they continue to produce the famous elegant and floral Rosebank spirit. "Paying respect to the historic site was of utmost importance to us," said Hendry. "We want to honor the legacy of Rosebank while also creating a new chapter in its story."
As part of the distillery's full revival, Rosebank has released its first distillery exclusive and its oldest expression to date, the Rosebank Vintage 1989. This 33-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, bottled at its natural strength of 47.5% ABV, is a limited run of only 650 bottles. It can only be purchased at the distillery gift shop for £3,200.
Master Blender Emma Oakes described the unique opportunity they had to assess each of the rare Rosebank casks that have survived since the distillery's closure in 1993. "It was clear from the start that our 1989 casks, the oldest in our archive, would be perfect to create this incredibly special dram to toast the revival of such a well-loved distillery." On the nose, the whisky presents a combination of tropical fruits, vanilla, oak, and a variety of sweet and savory notes. The palate reveals flavors of lemon, peach, and a hint of spice.
This momentous occasion calls for a toast with an exceptional whisky, and the Rosebank Vintage 1989 certainly fits the bill. As the doors to the distillery open to visitors, the team at Ian Macleod Distillers is excited to welcome whisky lovers from around the world into this "cathedral of distillation." For those interested in more whisky news, subscribe to Scottish Field and read the latest issue. The revival of Rosebank is a testament to the enduring spirit of Scotland's whisky industry, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this beloved distillery.
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