Return of the King – ‘lost’ Lowland distillery is set to make a comeback

Ian Macleod Distillers plans to revive Rosebank, shut in 1993 – and release some of the last existing casks

AScottish whisky company has revealed plans to resurrect one of Scotland’s most cherished Lowland distilleries.

Followinghotontheheelsofdiageo’s announcement regarding the plans to revive Port Ellen and Brora on Monday, Ian Macleod Distillers plan to bring back Rosebank, one of Scotland’s ‘lost’ distilleries.

“Rosebank is one of the most respected and sought after single malts in the world,” said managing director Leonard Russell.

“As such, this is an extraordinarily exciting project for us. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

In its home town of Falkirk, on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, Rosebank was once dubbed ‘the King of the Lowlands’.

The late whisky writer Michael Jackson had no doubt that it was one of the ‘greats’, describing its demise in 1993 as “a grievous loss” to the industry.

Russell said that the company are keen to maintain the distillery’s rich heritage.

He added: “The distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we are committed to ensuring this is the case.

“We will produce Rosebank Lowland single malt in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers. This way we ensure the revival of its classic style and taste. Our investment goes way beyond production.

“We are looking to develop a Rosebank Visitor Centre to help tell the story of this remarkable whisky – as well as safeguard the atmospheric canalside bond and its important heritage.”

Ian Macleod Distillers has entered into a binding agreement with Scottish Canals to purchase the site and has separately acquired the Rosebank trademark.

The company said it is proud to be investing in Falkirk by adding to the town’s flourishing economy.

In additional news to excite whisky lovers, Russell said that, as the wait begins for the reborn Rosebank to mature, the acquisition of some of the precious existing casks means they will be able to release some unique new expressions from the distillery’s previous stock.

0 Leonard Russell, MD of Ian Macleod