Rosebank opens to tourists
Starting June 7, the recently reopened Rosebank distillery will once again welcome visitors.
Three tour programs have been prepared, ranging from the simplest tour of the production area, culminating in a tasting of whiskey from Rosebank's sister distilleries, Glengoyne and Tamdhu, to an exclusive three-hour experience to culminate in a tasting of three old Rosebank releases. To see the vats and alembics of this legendary distillery up close, you will have to pay between £25 and £300.
Rosebank, until recently owned by Diageo, was closed in 1993, when the lingering effects of the overproduction crisis had the company's management picking other distilleries that would eventually share the fate of Glen Mhor, Port Ellen, and Dallas Dhu. According to rumor, when UDV (Diageo's predecessor) was preparing the Classic Malts of Scotland series, it had Rosebank and Glenkinchie to choose from as representatives of the Lowlands region. The choice fell on Glenkinchie for two primary reasons. First, the close proximity of Glenkinchie to Edinburgh played a role. Secondly, located on the Forth and Clyde Canal, it presented little attraction in terms of tourism. At the time, the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals were closed, not maintained, making them significantly polluted and simply not smelling very pleasant.
In 2017, the situation was quite different in all respects. The unprecedented popularity of Scotch whisky - and whisky in general - at the beginning of the 21st century has brought the resumption of production at some temporarily closed plants, the construction of new distilleries, and interest in bringing back into operation some distilleries that seemed to have closed forever. The construction and renovation of locks on the canals, including the construction of the fantastic structure The Falkirk Wheel, which connects the Forth and Clyde and Union canals, has made inland navigation in this part of Scotland more efficient and brought them back to life. Around the same time as the announcement of the decision to reactivate Port Ellen and Brora, a decision was made to sell Rosebank to Ian Macleod Distillers, owner of Glengoyne and Tamdhu.
Soon after, renovation, construction and reinstallation of the chipping equipment began. Rosebank's planned opening date has been postponed due to the need to stop work due to the pandemic. Finally, in the autumn of 2023, the production of whisky began.
Rosebank's reactivation may not have been as eagerly awaited by crowds of whiskey lovers as the peaty, smoky distillates produced by Brora and Port Ellen, but Rosebank too had and still has a sizable fan base, for whom the restart of production, as well as the opportunity to visit their favorite distillery, is of great importance. It is worth noting that, unlike the legends that opened recently - Brora and Port Ellen - Rosebank provides an option for not necessarily overly affluent whiskey lovers.
The options prepared for guests are divided into three main programs. As part of the basic, cheapest, tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting of two basic whiskies from Glengoyne and Tamdhu, sister distilleries of Rosebank. This program costs £25. If you decide to spend £95, you will get the opportunity to look into the customs warehouse, and finally get a taste of m.in. Rosebank 31yo. The most extensive - and most expensive option - is three hours spent in the distillery and warehouses, and ends with a tasting of as many as three editions of old Rosebank. However, you have to pay the round sum of £300 for this pleasure.
Although the distillery has not been in operation for more than 30 years, the current offerings of the House of Whisky Online include quite a good choice Rosebank, bottled by the former owner, the current owner, as well as a number of editions from independent distributors. Please visit.
[25.03.2024 / photo: Rajmund Matuszkiewicz]