Two Rosebank single cask whiskies to launch via ballot

Two limited edition single cask whiskies from the formerly mothballed Rosebank Distillery, distilled in 1993 when the site closed, will be launched via a ballot sale.

Both Rosebank whiskies were distilled in 1993, the year the distillery was mothballed

Rosebank Cask Number 433 has been bottled at 53.3% ABV and comprises 280 bottles, while the Rosebank Cask Number 625 has an ABV of 50.4% and consists of 259 bottles. Both were matured in refill Bourbon hogsheads.

However, only 100 of each single cask Scotch whisky will be released via ballot on Friday 14 February for Rosebank subscribers, priced at £2,500 (US$3,233) each. The remaining bottles will be available via general release on Tuesday 18 February.

Ian Macleod Distillers acquired Rosebank Distillery from Scottish Canals in 2017, when it also bought the Rosebank trademark and existing casks from previous owner Diageo. Restoration of Rosebank Distillery got under way in November 2019.

Robbie Hughes, Rosebank’s distillery manager, said: “We are incredibly excited and proud to be releasing our first official bottlings of Rosebank since the distillery’s closure in 1993 – a pivotal milestone for us in bringing back to life this quintessential Lowland malt.

“These expressions, though distinct in character, are both shining examples of Rosebank’s peerlessly smooth, fruity character. We know both are highly anticipated by whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike, so we expect great demand from our ballots.

“With the distillery’s redevelopment well under way, it’s a terrifically exciting chapter for Ian Macleod Distillers and Rosebank. We look forward to keeping fans updated with the distillery’s progress and releasing more unique and rare whiskies for fans across the world to savour in the coming years.”

Cask Number 433 is said to have aromas of vanilla, mango, raspberry, barley sugar and lavender, leading to flavours of cranachan, lemon, floral notes, marzipan and faint spice, with citrus, ripe fruit and oak.

Meanwhile, Cask Number 625 is said to have aromas of banana loaf with hints of white chocolate, spearmint, Victoria sponge and dried pineapple. On the palate, tasting notes include shortbread, camomile tea, dried herbs, citrus, tropical fruit and a gentle spice finish.

Those who are successful in the sale will be invited to collect their bottle at a private, intimate event in London on Wednesday 18 March. During the event, buyers will have the opportunity to meet Rosebank’s distillery manager, Hughes, and learn more about the malts and sample the single casks.

Next month, Ian Macleod Distillers will release the first official trade release of whisky from Rosebank Distillery, aged before its 1993 closure.

Another “extremely limited” travel retail-exclusive bottling will also be released at the DFS’s Masters of Wine and Spirits exhibition in Singapore.