Rosebank 12 Years Old 1993 Cask #DMG 1907 (Douglas McGibbon)

Douglas McGibbon selected this Rosebank matured to 12 year old, from 1993, drawn from cask DMG 1907 and bottled at 46%. The Lowland Rosebank, established in 1840 at Falkirk, on the Lowland canal side, was closed in 1993 and long mourned. Triple distillation and worm tub condensers, a pairing unique to Rosebank, gave the malt its elegant yet weighty style.

Drawn off after a third distillation and condensed slowly in 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. Worm tub condensers slow the copper contact, lending a fuller body to the light Lowland spirit. The pairing of triple distillation and worm tubs was unique to Rosebank among Scotch distilleries. Blenders prized the malt for its elegant, floral character and unusual weight. Closed in 1993, the site fell derelict and its copper stills were stolen in 2008.

At 46% it is soft, grassy and honeyed. Green apple and a floral lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A green apple and a herbal note lift it. Lemon, honey and oak draw out the close. This is a rare survivor of the 1993 closure.