Rosebank Distillery has completed initial distillation runs after 30 years silence and cask no. 001 is now maturing in a refill bourbon barrel to create a rich, fruity, and floral whisky, reminiscent of the original Rosebank’s signature flavour profile.
It marks a milestone for Ian Macleod Distillers Falkirk-based distillery after the ground-up reconstruction, which began in 2019 at the original location, and, thanks to blueprints of the original stills, the new stills have been recreated in the shape and characteristics of those from the original distillery. The landmark chimney has also been repaired and continues to dominate the skyline and centres the distillery site.
From 2024, the distillery will offer a visitor experience with the finishing touches being applied to a series of spaces across the historic site. The final key element of the last part of the build is a two-storey car park to shield the local community from visitor parking needs. The car park could allow more than 50,000 whisky visitors to the attraction each year.
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.”
Ian Macleod Distillers bought Distillery Rosebank in 2017.