The King of the Lowlands, Rosebank Distillery, has today reopened its doors and welcomed its first visitors after three decades of silence. A late victim of the Whisky Loch, Rosebank closed its doors in 1993. Today, “the sleeping giant of Scottish distilleries” wakes from its slumber.
Ian Macleod Distillers, the owner of Rosebank, has carefully restored the historic distillery to its former glory, complete with modern architectural additions, and a new visitors center. The restoration has taken no less than four years to complete. The first new spirit flowed from the Rosebank stills in 2023 (read the fascinating story of Rosebank’s stolen stills, and subsequent replicas, here). As such, Rosebank’s signature, gentle, and floral Lowland-style whisky is once again in production, thanks also to triple distillation practices and worm-tub condensers.
Now, Lowland whisky fans from around the globe can travel to Falkirk to take in the new distillery and all of the whisky experiences on offer. Such tourism will certainly boost the economy in Falkirk, as well as provide local jobs.
Visit Rosebank Distillery
As reported on The Whiskey Wash in March 2024, the new Rosebank Distillery offers three separate tours:
- Rosebank Reawakening – £25 per person – A guided tour and a tasting of Glengoyne 12 Year Old and Tamdhu 12 Year Old (also owned by Ian Macleod Distillers).
- Rosebank Rekindled – £95 per person – A guided tour and a tasting of Rosebank 31 Year Old, Glengoyne 15 Year Old, and Tamdhy 15 Year Old.
- Rosebank Revered – £300 per person – A guided tour and a tasting of three rare and exclusive Rosebank expressions.
Book your tour of the Rosebank Distillery here.
“The Sleeping Giant of Scottish Distilleries“
The reopening of Rosebank Distillery is the culmination of years of hard work by those at Ian Macleod Distillers, and the newly appointed Rosebank team.
Speaking about this historic day, Stuart Hendry, Brand Homes Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “This is a huge moment for the people of Falkirk and the global whisky community. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Rosebank reawaken, with its original, unique distillation methods now sitting at the heart of inspiring new buildings that respect the original setting. The sense of pride that the people of Falkirk have in Rosebank is very much felt by all of us at Ian Macleod Distillers and to be custodians of such an iconic distillery is a dream come true.
“Opening the doors today to visitors marks another historic chapter in the incredible story of Rosebank and we are excited to welcome whisky lovers from around the world into this incredible cathedral of distillation.”
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Rosebank 1989 Vintage 33 Year Old
According to Rosebank Blender, Emma Oakes: “Such a grand occasion calls for an exceptional whisky, and our Rosebank Vintage 1989 is just that. We have had the unique opportunity 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 to the revival of such a well-loved distillery.”
The Rosebank 1989 Vintage 33 Year Old is the first distillery exclusive from the newly-revived distillery. Available for purchase only at the Rosebank Distillery shop, the 47.5% whisky is the oldest Rosebank to date. Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie, will be at the gift shop signing each £3,200 bottle after purchase. Only 650 bottles are available. Trip to Falkirk, anyone?
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