Rosebank distillery

Introduction to Rosebank

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Rosebank is a revered Lowland Scotch whisky distillery, often referred to as the “King of the Lowlands” for its exceptional quality and distinctive character. Located in Falkirk on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, this historic distillery has become a symbol of Lowland whisky excellence – producing some of the most elegant and floral malts in Scotland.

After years of silence, Rosebank has been resurrected, bringing back a truly significant piece of Scottish whisky heritage to the delight of enthusiasts around the world.

Why we have a soft spot for Rosebank

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries with compelling stories and exceptional products – Rosebank delivers on both counts. What makes Rosebank truly special is its unique triple distillation process and worm tub condensers, creating a whisky that achieves remarkable lightness without sacrificing complexity.

The revived distillery’s commitment to faithfully recreating the historic production methods while meeting modern environmental standards demonstrates a reverence for tradition that resonates deeply with our values.

The History behind Rosebank

Origin and development

Rosebank’s story begins in 1840, though whisky production on the site dates back to at least 1798. The distillery flourished through the 19th and 20th centuries, gaining a reputation for producing exceptional Lowland single malt whisky.

Unfortunately, Rosebank fell silent in 1993 when its then-owner United Distillers (now Diageo) closed the facility, citing the prohibitive cost of upgrading the effluent treatment systems. The distillery remained dormant until 2017, when Ian Macleod Distillers acquired the site and the Rosebank trademark, embarking on an ambitious project to revive this legendary distillery.

The people behind

Today, Rosebank is under the stewardship of the Macleod family, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to honoring the distillery’s legacy. Master Distiller Malcolm Rennie oversees production, bringing decades of experience to ensure the revived spirit captures the essence of historic Rosebank.

The team has gone to extraordinary lengths to recreate authentic production methods, even commissioning new copper pot stills made to the exact specifications of the originals.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Rosebank’s production starts with quality Scottish barley, which undergoes traditional floor malting. What sets Rosebank apart is its adherence to triple distillation – a rarity in Scottish whisky making but a cornerstone of Rosebank’s identity.

The distillery utilizes a wash still and two spirit stills, creating a lighter, more refined spirit. Another distinctive feature is the use of traditional worm tub condensers – copper coils submerged in cold water that cool the spirit vapor back to liquid form, contributing to Rosebank’s unique character.

Maturation and aging

Rosebank whisky matures primarily in ex-bourbon American oak casks, though some expressions see time in sherry butts as well. The distillery’s warehouse location near the canal creates ideal conditions for gentle maturation, allowing the whisky to develop its signature floral complexity and delicate fruitiness over time.

Each cask is carefully monitored throughout the aging process, ensuring that every bottle of Rosebank delivers the exceptional quality that has made this distillery legendary.

Selected Products from Rosebank

Rosebank Legacy Releases – A glimpse into history

These rare bottlings from the original distillery showcase what made Rosebank famous. Featuring notes of lemon zest, meadow flowers, vanilla, and a distinctive waxy character, these increasingly scarce expressions offer a taste of whisky history that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Rosebank Revival Expressions – The new chapter

The new generation of Rosebank whiskies aims to recreate the distillery’s signature style while writing its own story. The first new releases showcase delicate floral notes, elegant citrus, green apple, and a subtle minerality that honors the distillery’s heritage while looking confidently to the future.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

The revived Rosebank distillery welcomes visitors to experience the rebirth of this iconic whisky producer. Tours offer insights into both the historic significance of Rosebank and the meticulous restoration project that brought it back to life.

The visitor experience includes a guided tasting of both legacy bottlings and new make spirit, providing a fascinating comparison between Rosebank’s past and future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rosebank?

Rosebank is a historic Lowland single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Falkirk, Scotland. Famous for its triple-distilled, exceptionally elegant and floral whisky, it has been called the “King of the Lowlands” and represents one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky revivals after closing in 1993 and reopening under new ownership.

Where is Rosebank located?

Rosebank Distillery is situated in Falkirk, Scotland, on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal. This waterway played a crucial role in the distillery’s history, facilitating the transport of ingredients and finished products, and continues to be an integral part of Rosebank’s identity and story.

What characterizes Rosebank?

Rosebank is distinguished by its triple distillation method (rare in Scotland), traditional worm tub condensers, and its light, floral, and complex flavor profile. The whisky is known for its remarkable elegance, featuring notes of citrus, vanilla, cut grass, and delicate floral elements with a subtle complexity that belies its light character.

Where can I buy whisky from Rosebank?

You can find selected bottles from Rosebank at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both vintage releases from the original distillery and new expressions from the revived operation, offering whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience this legendary Lowland malt in its various incarnations.