Rosebank 13 Years Old 1991 (Original Collection)

From Cadenhead's comes this Rosebank matured to 13 year old, from 1991 and bottled at 46%. Only 294 bottles were released. The Lowland Rosebank, founded by James Rankine in 1840 on the Forth and Clyde Canal at Falkirk, was mothballed in 1993. A rebuilt Rosebank opened in 2023, while bottles like this remain from the old.

It was put through three stills and worm tubs for body and finesse, to build the floral, grassy malt blenders prized. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the Lowland character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a crisp, green freshness over light honey. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over decades. 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 46% it is supple and fragrant. Honeysuckle and lemon zest meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. 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.