Following hot on the heels of Diageo's announcement regrading the plans to revive Port Ellen and Brora yesterday (9th October) Ian Macleod Distillers have today stated their intention to resurrect another of Scotland's 'lost' distilleries.
“Rosebank is one of the most respected and sought after single
malts in the world,” declared MD Leonard Russell. “As such, this is an extraordinarily exciting project for us.
Picture: Chris Watt
"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’ and 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.
Fellow writer, Gavin D Smith, described the region’s whiskies having “subtle charm", with "none more charming than the elegant, floral, aromatic Rosebank produced by a triple distillation process in the traditional Lowland manner”.
Russell explained that the company are keen to maintain the distillery's rich heritage, he said: “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 Canal side 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 and tourism scene.
In additional news, that will excite whisky lovers, Russell stated that as the wait begins for the reborn Rosebank to mature, Ian MacLeod Distiller's 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.
He added: “Over the coming months we will carefully review Rosebank’s rare stocks with a view to releasing some truly scarce and extraordinary whiskies."
"We have no doubt that demand for these releases will be exceptionally high so we already have plans in place to make sure collectors and Rosebank lovers can keep up to date.”
With this in mind, all the latest developments will be revealed on a new, dedicated website where those who sign up will be the first to hear about the release of the rare and collectable bottlings of Rosebank Lowland Single Malt.
