‘Rare’ 31-year-old Rosebank launches

Dormant distillery Rosebank has launched a ‘rare’ 31-year-old single malt drawn from casks filled before its closure.

The casks were salvaged from the Lowlands-based Rosebank distillery in Falkirk, Scotland, before it closed in 1993. Ian Macleod Distillers acquired the Rosebank site in October 2017, along with the last remaining stocks. The distillery will open its doors again in early 2023. Malcolm Rennie, Rosebank distillery manager, said: “This is the first Rosebank release during my tenure as distillery manager and I’m under no illusions as to the importance of this launch. The spirit was distilled before the distillery closed its doors and has matured in casks ever since, waiting to be awoken.” To mark the whisky’s release, a short film has been created presenting commentary from four whisky experts: Becky Paskin, Brad Japhe, Moa Nilsson and Thijs Klaverstijn. Rennie added: “It fills me with great pride to know that the 31-year-old will be the last ‘old Rosebank’ release before the distillery is reopened to the public. "The revival of this sleeping giant is a huge moment for the whisky community, but most importantly for the people of Falkirk who have patiently awaited its return for three decades.” Starting with citrus notes of lime, lemongrass and coriander on the nose, the expression opens up to flavours of mint, camomile, berry and banana bread on the palate. Finally, the finish is sweet, with hints of peach, oak and long herbal notes. The whisky clocks in at 48.1% ABV, and can be purchased for RRP £1,800 (US$2,177) per 700ml bottle. The yet-to-be-opened distillery will house three stills made to the blueprints of the originals from pre-1993. Worm tub condensers have also been installed, each with a hand-made copper coil. Earlier this year, the brand welcomed Malcolm Rennie to the team as its new distillery manager.