Rosebank

In 1993, Diageo predecessor United Distillers closed the "Queen of the Lowlands" – Rosebank, with its traditional triple distillation and fresh, floral style, had long been considered the obvious Lowland candidate for the prestigious "Classic Malts" range. Instead, Glenkinchie was chosen, and Rosebank vanished from view for three decades – its buildings converted into flats, with key distilling equipment even stolen in 2010.

What long looked like a final farewell turned around in 2017: Ian Macleod Distillers secured the brand rights from Diageo and the site from Scottish Canals, and built an entirely new distillery. In July 2023, the first distillation of the new era took place, and in July 2024 Rosebank officially opened to visitors. With Rosebank 1991/2022, you will find one of the last remaining bottlings from before the closure in our selection.

Why was Rosebank considered the "Queen of the Lowlands"?

Probably founded around 1840 by James Rankine – though whisky is said to have been distilled on the site by the Forth and Clyde Canal in Falkirk since as early as 1798 – Rosebank established its reputation through traditional triple distillation and a characteristically fresh, floral style with notes of grass, apple, and pear. In 1914, the distillery was among the founding members of the influential Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD). For many connoisseurs, Rosebank would have been the obvious candidate when Diageo predecessor United Distillers sought a Lowland representative for the prestigious "Classic Malts" range in 1998 – the choice, however, fell on Glenkinchie, and Rosebank had already closed in 1993.

How did the rebirth after three decades come about?

After closure, it long looked like the end for good: the buildings were sold to British Waterways in 2002 and converted into flats and restaurants, and much of the remaining historic distilling equipment was stolen in 2010. The turning point came in 2017, when Ian Macleod Distillers – known for brands such as Glengoyne – acquired the brand rights from Diageo and the site from Scottish Canals. After years of new construction, the company filled the first cask of the new era on 18 July 2023, and in July 2024 the distillery officially opened to visitors, earning VisitScotland's five-star status within a week.

The most popular bottling at a glance

1. Rosebank 1991/2022 - 31 Year Old Release 2
A rare old-stock bottling from before the 1993 closure.
Taste: Fresh and floral with ripe fruit and a long finish.
Serving suggestion: For collectors and connoisseurs wanting to secure a piece of Lowland history.

Facts and figures

Address: Falkirk, Stirlingshire. Founded: probably 1840 by James Rankine. Closed: 1993. Revival: first distillation July 2023, opened to visitors July 2024. Owner: Ian Macleod Distillers.