After more than 30 years shuttered, Rosebank Distillery recently roared back to life as the vaunted Lowland single malt distillery just completed its first distillation runs in more three decades.
A statement from the makers at Rosebank shared the information, as well as images of Cask No. 001, a refill bourbon barrel, taking the new spirit and starting the maturation process.
The distiller described the new spirit, once fully matured, as a “rich, fruity, and floral whisky, reminiscent of the original Rosebank’s signature flavor profile.”
After more than 30 years shuttered, Rosebank Distillery recently roared back to life as the vaunted Lowland single malt distillery just completed its first distillation runs in more three decades. (image via Rosebank)
This filled barrel marks a milestone on the distillery’s restoration journey, as Rosebank’s reconstruction started back in 2019. Ian Macleod Distillers restored the Falkirk-based distillery from the ground up at its original location.
The distiller paid close attention to detail, as the new distillery has retained the format of the original production plant. Blueprints of the original stills were found and used to recreate the shape and characteristics of those from the original distillery.
The distiller’s notes describe the new worm tub condensers that have gone in, bringing a special element of the Rosebank distillation process and yielding a heavier style of spirit as there is less copper contact during vapor condensation.
The distillery’s landmark chimney is repaired and will continue to mark the skyline of the distillery site.
Starting next year, the distillery will offer its visitor experience for Rosebank fans, as the finishing touches continue on a series of spaces across the historic site. Next up is the build of a two-story parking structure. It’s estimated the car park could allow more than 50,000 whisky visitors to the distillery each year.
Malcolm Rennie, Rosebank’s distillery manager, said, “We’ve known all along the magic and majesty that Rosebank retains, and you can really feel this come to life as we start up production once again and fill the first cask with the new Rosebank Spirit, Cask No. 001.”
He added that they’ve assembled “a fantastic distillery team and there is excitement among us all as we complete our first distillation runs. This is the first Rosebank spirit to be distilled in more than 30 years, so it’s an absolute honor to oversee the moment, and play a part in returning this once whisky giant to its former glory.”
Rosebank is owned by Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers. They continue to breathe life back into the historic Scottish distillery and the surrounding community in Falkirk, after being mothballed in 1993.
For more information about Rosebank or the reconstruction, check out www.rosebank.com.