Rosebank 17-year-old (D.1974, B.1992) Signatory Vintage / 43% / 0.7l

Rosebank, one of the Lowlands' most respected distilleries, survived the severe industry downturn of the 1980s only to cease production in 1993.

This small operation produced just over 500,000 litres of alcohol per year and required considerable investment to meet the standards of the late 20th century. Almost a quarter of a century later, Rosebank enthusiasts celebrated the joyous news that the property, branding rights and remaining stock had been purchased by Ian Macleod Distillers, who are to restore the distillery to its rightful glory. The Rosebank shown here, distilled November 1974, spent some 18 years in oak cask no. 5061. Bottled at 43% abv by Signatory Vintage in March 1992 in an edition of 800 bottles.

Nose: barley malt, lemon peel, green apples, gooseberries, vanilla, honey, a handful of dried herbs, notes of hay, potpourri and oak.

Taste : mild, honey, milk fudge, apples, pears, mirabelle plums, lemon drops, sponge cake, white pepper, mint leaf and a slight bitterness of oak.

Finish : medium long, with notes of toffee, honey, walnuts, sweet bread, lemon peel, a touch of pepper and oak.