The King enjoyed a dram of the award-winning Rosebank 31 Year Old at a reception showcasing Scottish entrepreneurialism on January 19th.
King Charles III and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney met representatives from Ian Macleod Distillers at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the company showcased Rosebank 31 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which was recently named Best Whisky in the World by the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The reception brought together leaders from Scotland’s whisky, healthcare, and AI sectors to highlight Scottish business innovation.
Ian Macleod Distillers was represented by Leonard Russell, Managing Director & Chairman; Tom Russell, Head of International Business Development; and Katy Muggeridge, Brand Director for Rosebank Whisky and sister brand Glengoyne Whisky.
The featured Rosebank 31 Year Old was recently named best whisky in the world at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, widely considered the industry’s most prestigious accolade.
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“We are honoured to have met His Majesty and to have been able to present him with Rosebank Whisky which, fittingly, is a jewel in our crown,” said Leonard Russell.
The whisky was distilled before Rosebank Distillery’s closure in 1993 and matured in refill casks for over three decades.
“The resurgence of the distillery has been important to the town of Falkirk, and we look forward keenly to a time when we can release our newly distilled Rosebank Whiskies,” Russell continued.
“We are so proud that King Charles and the First Minister have been able to share this exceptional whisky with us today.”
Rosebank Distillery was originally founded in Falkirk in 1840, but was mothballed in 1993 and remained closed for 30 years before Ian Macleod Distillers discovered it in a derelict state.
Following an award-winning restoration, the distillery resumed production on July 18, 2023.
The facility reopened to visitors in June 2024, aiming to put Rosebank back on the map as the ‘King of the Lowlands’.
