Rosebank Distillery has restarted production and filled its first cask, its new management team at Ian Macleod Distillers have announced.
In 2019, Ian Macleod Distillers (owner of Tamdhu and Glengoyne distilleries) secured planning permission from Falkirk Council to revive the iconic Lowlands distillery, which was shuttered in 1993.
Following a lengthy renovation process, Ian Macleod has confirmed that production at the distillery has re-commenced, 30 years after it ceased, with the first cask, a refill bourbon barrel, filled on 18 July.
The production area at the renovated distillery has been designed to closely resemble the old set-up, informed by blueprints of the original building, and the new production team are aiming to stay as true to Rosebank's traditional spirit character as possible.
To this end, new wormtub condensers have been installed – broadly credited as a key element in creating the distillery's revered fruity, floral style – and the new stills are exact replicas of the originals, built to the original designs from Abercrombie Coppersmiths. The site's landmark chimney has also been repaired.
Malcolm Rennie, distillery manager at Rosebank, said: "We’ve known all along the magic and majesty that Rosebank retains, and you can really feel this come to life as we start up production once again and fill the first cask with the new Rosebank Spirit, Cask No. 001.
“We’ve assembled a fantastic distillery team and there is excitement among us all as we complete our first distillation runs. This is the first Rosebank spirit to be distilled in more than 30 years, so it’s an absolute honour to oversee the moment, and play a part in returning this once whisky giant to its former glory.”
The distillery is also planning to offer a high-quality visitor experience for Rosebank fans from around the world. A series of spaces have been created around the historic site to facilitate this, with plans to open to the public in 2024.
More information about the renovation project can be found at rosebank.com.
