A Legacy Reborn: Rosebank Distillery celebrates landmark reopening after 30 years

Rosebank Distillery has welcomed its first guests after being miraculously restored in an ambitious four-year project that pays homage to the original site.
The new distillery has been hailed as a tremendous addition for the Falkirk community, stimulating tourism, generating employment, and significantly boosting the local economy.
The revival has transformed the previously mothballed site into a beautiful new working distillery that celebrates dynamic new architecture intertwined with the original infrastructure.
To mark the occasion, Rosebank Distillery has launched its first distillery exclusive, and its oldest expression to date, a 1989 Vintage, 33 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as a “Sleeping Giant of Scottish Distilleries”, the highly anticipated Rosebank Distillery has finally reawakened, opening its doors today to welcome whisky enthusiasts from around the globe, for the first time ever.

After more than 30 years of closure, Ian Macleod Distillers has lovingly brought back to life the “ghost” distillery, previously thought to be lost forever. The meticulous restoration has spanned the last four years, and the stunning new distillery has returned as an iconic landmark for the Falkirk community. The striking new distillery retains some key original features, which are complemented by contemporary, state-of-the-art elements.

The newly restored home of Rosebank also offers a world-class visitor experience for guests – a first in the distillery’s history. With the doors now open, the distillery is expected to stimulate tourism and generate employment, significantly boosting the local Falkirk economy.

Commonly referred to as “The King of the Lowlands”, spirit once again flows at Rosebank Distillery, and the first cask was filled in June 2023. Paying respect to the historic site, the characteristic three copper stills have been lovingly crafted to replicate their historic shape based on original distillery drawings. They now stand proudly in the stunning glass-fronted still house and distil the famous elegant, and floral signature Rosebank spirit.

Stuart Hendry, Brand Homes Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “This is a huge moment for the people of Falkirk and the global whisky community. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Rosebank reawaken, with its original, unique distillation methods now sitting at the heart of inspiring new buildings that respect the original setting. The sense of pride that the people of Falkirk have in Rosebank is very much felt by all of us at Ian Macleod Distillers and to be custodians of such an iconic distillery is a dream come true.

“Opening the doors today to visitors marks another historic chapter in the incredible story of Rosebank and we are excited to welcome whisky lovers from around the world into this incredible cathedral of distillation.”

To mark the distillery’s full revival, Rosebank has released its first distillery exclusive, and its oldest expression to date, Rosebank Vintage 1989. The 33 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, bottled at its natural strength of 47.5% ABV, is from the oldest year of the legacy stock. The new expression is a limited run of 650 bottles, and only available to buy from the distillery gift shop, priced at £3,200. As an extra-celebratory opening day memento, distillery manager Malcolm Rennie will be on-site signing bottles after purchase.

On the nose, the whisky presents a combination of tropical fruits, vanilla, aged oak, white grape, melon, upside down cake, custard, maple syrup and hints of liquorice. While the palate reveals flavours of bright lemon, peach, sweet menthol, gentle coriander and pepper spice.

Emma Oakes, Blender at Rosebank said: “Such a grand occasion calls for an exceptional whisky, and our Rosebank Vintage 1989 is just that. We have had the unique opportunity to assess each of the rare Rosebank casks that have survived since the distillery’s closure in 1993. It was clear from the start that our 1989 casks, the oldest in our archive, would be perfect to create this incredibly special dram to toast to the revival of such a well-loved distillery.”

Whisky lovers looking to visit Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk can choose from three tour options; Rosebank Reawakening, Rosebank Rekindled and Rosebank Revered. Each tour starts with an immersive animation that recounts Rosebank’s miraculous tale of turbulence and triumph, all brought to life in the original distillery buildings.

A detailed tour of the distillery and still house follows, as well as the opportunity to taste Rosebank’s new make spirit and the award-winning expressions from Rosebank’s sister distilleries Glengoyne and Tamdhu. The Rosebank Revered tour offers a tutored tasting of three exceptionally rare and specially selected Rosebank expressions.

Rosebank distillery tours are available from today and can be booked directly via www.rosebank.com.

Tags: reopeningRosebank Distillery

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.