Rosebank 13 Years Old 1989 Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

From Lombard comes this Rosebank matured to 13 year old, from 1989 and bottled at 50%. The Lowland Rosebank, established in 1840 at Falkirk, on the Lowland canal side, was closed in 1993 and long mourned. Rosebank distilled again from 2023, yet this is spirit from the closed era.

Drawn off after a third distillation and condensed slowly in worm tubs, the make took the Rosebank style. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At this age the spirit is bright and floral, the citrus and grass fresh. Patient maturation turns the grassy new make towards marzipan and soft tropical fruit. 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. Blenders prized the malt for its elegant, floral character and unusual weight.

At a natural 50% it is full and expressive. Honeysuckle and lemon zest meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Soft citrus and orchard fruit sit behind the sweetness. Lemon, honey and oak draw out the close. This is a rare survivor of the 1993 closure.