Rosebank 11 Years Old 1989 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Rosebank, an 11 year old Lowland malt, from 1989 and bottled at 40%. Rosebank, opened in 1840 in Camelon near Falkirk, in the Lowlands, was closed in 1993. Triple distillation and worm tub condensers, a pairing unique to Rosebank, gave the malt its elegant yet weighty style.

Triple distilled through three pot stills and condensed in wooden worm tubs, the make took the Rosebank style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, the classic wood for Rosebank. Still young, the malt is grassy and zesty with a delicate lift. A long, gentle maturation suits the refined, ester led Rosebank character. The closed era stock is finite, and every bottle drawn is one fewer left. Rosebank stood on the Forth and Clyde Canal, which once carried its casks to market. The pairing of triple distillation and worm tubs was unique to Rosebank among Scotch distilleries.

At an approachable 40% it is delicate and balanced. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under citrus and a grassy freshness. It is refined and deep, the florals woven in. The finish is elegant, waxy and tropical. This is a piece of Lowland legend in the glass.