After a silent period of 30 years, Rosebank has finally awoken. The Falkirk-based distillery has commenced distilling again, almost six years after the reopening was first announced. The first cask filled is a refill bourbon barrel, which “will create a rich, fruity, and floral whisky, reminiscent of the original Rosebank’s signature flavour profile.”
Owners Ian Macleod originally bought the trademark and some older stocks of Diageo, and have since minutely restored Rosebank at its original location. The new distillery has retained the format of the original production plant. Blueprints of the original stills were used to recreate the shape and characteristics of those from the original distillery. New worm tub condensers have been installed replacing the original ones. The landmark chimney has been repaired and continues to dominate the skyline and centres the distillery site.
Malcolm Rennie, Distillery Manager at Rosebank, 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.
“We’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 honour to oversee the moment, and play a part in returning this once whisky giant to its former glory.”
From 2024, the distillery will open a visitor centre. The finishing touches are currently being applied to several spaces across the historic site. The final key element is a two-storey car park, which would allow more than 50,000 whisky visitors to visit the distillery annually.
