Rosebank 14 Years Old 1990 Cask #DMG 1317 + 1318 (Douglas McGibbon)

Single malt Rosebank, an independent Douglas McGibbon bottling, a 14 year old Lowland malt, from 1990, drawn from cask DMG 1317 + 1318 and bottled at 46%. Rosebank, founded in 1840 by James Rankine beside the Forth and Clyde Canal, was shut by its owners in 1993. Ian Macleod reopened the distillery in 2023, though stock like this is from the original era.

It was distilled three times and passed through traditional worm tub condensers, to build the floral, grassy malt blenders prized. An American oak cask shaped it, flattering the floral, ester rich make. By this age the grassy spirit rounds into honey, citrus and marzipan. The third distillation lifts the spirit clean and high, leaving a delicate, ester rich new make. 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.

At an approachable 46% it is delicate and balanced. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with lemon and cut grass. The mouthfeel is gentle, the honey carried on a waxy body. The finish is elegant, waxy and tropical. This is a piece of Lowland legend in the glass.