Rosebank 25 Years Old

A distillery bottling of Rosebank matured to 25 year old, from 1981 and bottled at 61.4%. Only 4710 bottles were released. The Lowland Rosebank, founded by James Rankine in 1840 beside the Forth and Clyde Canal, was shut by its owners in 1993. It was long hailed as the King of the Lowlands.

It was distilled three times and passed through traditional worm tub condensers, giving a clean, fruity spirit with a worm tub weight. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the Lowland character to the fore. Long ageing brings a waxy depth, candied fruit and a mellow grassy note. 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. The pairing of triple distillation and worm tubs was unique to Rosebank among Scotch distilleries.

At 61.4%, undiluted, it is deep and floral. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with lemon and cut grass. The mouthfeel is gentle, the honey carried on a waxy body. Marzipan and citrus see out a long finish. This is one of the great ghost whiskies of the Lowlands.