Rosebank 21 Years Old 1991 Closed Distilleries (Cadenhead’s)

Single malt Rosebank, an independent Cadenhead's bottling, a 21 year old release, from 1991 and bottled at 52.1%. A release of 186 bottles. Rosebank stood in Camelon near Falkirk, in the Lowlands from 1840 until it was closed in 1993. Triple distillation and worm tub condensers, a pairing unique to Rosebank, gave the malt its elegant yet weighty style.

Triple distilled through three pot stills and condensed in wooden worm tubs, the make took the Rosebank style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light honeyed sweetness. By this age the grassy spirit rounds into honey, citrus and marzipan. Refill oak flatters Rosebank, holding back its sweetness so the florals and citrus lead. 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. Ian Macleod rescued the distillery, the trademark and the last casks, reopening it in 2023.

Undiluted at 52.1%, it is layered. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with lemon and cut grass. The mouthfeel is gentle, the honey carried on a waxy body. A softly floral finish lingers warm. This is prized stock from a distillery reborn only in 2023.