"If there is a God, Rosebank whisky would be produced again," the late English whisky writer Michael Jackson once mused.

The whisky gods have finally answered Jackson's prayers, albeit 15 years after he sadly departed in 2007. The revered ghost distillery Rosebank Distillery, also referred to as the 'King of the Lowlands', has finally been rebuilt by new owners Ian Macleod Distillers.

After 30 years of silent stills, Rosebank Distillery, located in Falkirk, Scotland, has just completed its first distillation run and begun the maturation of Cask No 001. 

The distillery, which had been dormant since 1993, is being painstakingly restored to its former glory by Ian Macleod Distillers, a process which is still ongoing. And they aren't stopping at just distilling new spirit, they're preparing to welcome visitors by 2024.

| Learn more about Rosebank's storied history in our distillery spotlight feature.

One of the unique factors of Rosebank's production process is their use of worm tubs for condensing the spirit. This contributes to a more robust flavour and weightier spirit - despite being a Lowlands malt that is stereotypically light-bodied. And yes, they've brought it back, installing new worm tub condensers to retain that special element of Rosebank's distillation.

The team has gone to lengths to preserve the integrity of former Rosebank, rebuilding new distillery in its original location and staying true to the original layout. Even the stills are replicas of the original ones, recreated using blueprints provided from Diageo's archives.

The fruits of their labour, the new make spirit, is now resting in a refill Bourbon barrel. This is expected to create a rich, fruity, and floral whisky, much like the original Rosebank’s signature style, said to be one of the most floral Scotch whiskies ever produced.

Malcolm Rennie, distillery manager at Rosebank, said: "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.”

Come 2024, visitors are expected to be able to stroll around the grounds and maybe even take a selfie next to the bed of roses by the canal, a nice touch that is a nod to the distillery's name.

While it's still too soon to say if the new Rosebank single malt would taste similar to the original Rosebank single malt made before 1993, we are plenty intrigued and we can't wait to see how Rosebank would take flight once again.

| Learn more about Rosebank's storied history in our distillery spotlight feature.

Keep those glasses ready, folks. A legend is returning!

Kanpai! 

88 Bamboo Editorial Team