Rosebank 18 Years Old 1974 Cask #5047 – 49 (Signatory)

From Signatory Vintage comes this Rosebank, aged 18 year old, from 1974, drawn from cask 5047 - 49 and bottled at 43%. A release of 2400 bottles. Established in 1840 on the Forth and Clyde Canal at Falkirk, Rosebank was mothballed in 1993. Its delicate spirit was revered by blenders.

It was put through three stills and worm tubs for body and finesse, giving a clean, fruity spirit with a worm tub weight. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the floral malt. Past a decade and a half the florals deepen into honey and soft tropical fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over decades. The 108 foot chimney remained a Falkirk landmark through the long silent decades. Its final vintages of the early 1990s are among the most sought after of all Lowland malts. The malt was matured slowly in the temperate Lowland climate before bottling.

At 43% it is clean and elegant. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and honeysuckle and lemon zest meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft citrus and orchard fruit sit behind the sweetness. It finishes clean, fragrant and bright. This is spirit from the lost years of Rosebank, finite for good.