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Rosebank launches rare 31yr old single malt

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Rosebank launches rare 31yr old single malt

August 4, 2022

Rosebank, the now-dormant distillery in Falkirk, has announced the launch of a rare 31-year-old single malt.

The whisky was drawn from casks filled in 1984 and laid down to mature at the distillery before it closed down in 1993. Only 9,000 bottles will be available globally, with each carrying a recommended retail price of £1,800 (US$2,177)

This is the first release of single malt from Rosebank since it was mothballed over 25 years ago, and the whisky has been bottled at its natural cask strength of 52.0% ABV. The distillery was renowned for producing a light and floral spirit, and this rare expression is said to display “all the hallmarks of the classic Rosebank style”.

Who are Rosebank?

The Rosebank distillery was built in 1840 byJames Rankine in Falkirk, Scotland. Rankine expanded the distillery in 1845 before handing management onto his son R.W. Rankine, also known as Jr.

The distillery changed hands a few times over the next century, being bought by Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd (SMD) in 1922. Rosebank was closed in 1983 but reopened again in 1989 and was finally mothballed for good in 1993.

The reason for the closure was due to an overproduction of malt whisky in the 1980s which led to many distilleries across Scotland being closed. was caused by a number of factors, such as the rise in popularity of blended whisky and a decrease in demand for single malt.

Rosebank was one of the casualties of this overproduction and was closed in 1983. Thankfully, Rosebank was saved from demolition and has since been bought by Ian Macleod Distillers, who announced plans to bring Rosebank back to life.

The ‘rare’ 31-year-old single malt has been drawn from casks filled before the closure of the distillery and is said to be “a wonderfully well-rounded whisky with a delicate balance of fruit, floral and spice notes”.

The launch of this 31-year-old single malt is the first release of whisky from Rosebank since it closed over 25 years ago. It is also the oldest Rosebank whisky to be released, and is said to be a “true reflection of the distillery’s pre-closure style”.

“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,” Malcolm Rennie, Rosebank distillery manager, said, according to The Scotsman. “The spirit was distilled before the distillery closed its doors and has matured in casks ever since, waiting to be awoken.”

The release of this rare single malt marks an exciting time for fans of Rosebank whisky, and we can’t wait to see what else Ian McLeod Distillers has in store for us.

When is Rosebank reopening?

Originally known as ‘The King of the Lowlands’ for its light and delicate style, Rosebank was closed in 1993. The distillery changed hands a few times before being bought by Ian McLeod Distillers in 2017, with plans for a full-scale revival. While there’s no official word yet on when the revived Rosebank will start producing spirit again, the distillery is slated to open its doors again in early 2023.

In 2022, the brand welcomed Malcolm Rennie to the team as the new distillery manager. Rennie has over three decades of experience in the whisky industry, and his appointment is a clear indication of Ian McLeod’s commitment to making Rosebank one of the best single malt Scotch whiskies on the market. The reopening of this distillery is part of a wider trend of scotch whisky producers reviving long-dormant brands.

Other notable recent openings include the reopening of Bruichladdich distillery in 2001, followed by the reopening of Brora and Dallas Dhu in 2017. The huge demand for fine whisky has led to a resurgence in interest in these lost brands, and it’s great to see them finally coming back.

With markets in Asia and South America booming, it’s likely that we’ll see even more of these lost brands revived in the coming years. Whisky tourism is also playing a part in this, with visitors to Scotland increasingly interested in not just the big names, but also the history and stories behind the whiskies. There’s no doubt that the future of scotch whisky is looking bright, and the revival of lost brands is just one part of that.

Will we see more old distilleries come back to life?

The whisky market has been growing steadily for a number of years now, and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are a number of factors driving this growth, but one of the most interesting is the revival of lost whisky brands. These are brands that have been out of production for many years, sometimes even decades. But thanks to a growing interest in all things whisky, they’re starting to make a comeback.

One of the most notable recent examples is the relaunch of Brora, a distillery that was closed down in 1983. The demand for Brora’s whisky was always high, even after it stopped being produced. But it wasn’t until recently that the brand was able to make a comeback.

The same is true of other brands like Port Ellen and Rosebank. Thanks to a growing interest in whisky, they’re starting to make a comeback after many years out of production.

It’s not just lost brands that are seeing a resurgence. There’s also been a renewed interest in single malt whisky. This is a type of whisky that’s made from a single barrel, and it often has a distinct flavour profile. Single malt whiskies are usually more expensive than blends, but they’re becoming more popular as people learn about the different types of whisky available.

Thanks to the growing interest in whisky, we’re seeing a resurgence of lost brands and a renewed interest in single malt whisky. This is good news for the industry, and it means that there are more options available for people who want to enjoy a glass of whisky!