Rosebank Scotch Whisky

Rosebank Scotch whisky distillery was built on its present site in 1840 by James Rankine, a local wine and spirit merchant. Before this a distillery sometimes known as Rosebank and sometimes as Camelon, operated on the opposite side of the Forth Clyde Canal.

In 1861 Rankine bought the Camelon distillery, a few years later demolishing it but keeping the maltings which he connected to Rosebank via a swing bridge.

The demand from the blenders for Rosebank whisky was so high that the distillery sold the whisky on allocation and charged the customers warehouse rent while they waited. At the time Rosebank was the first distillery and only one able to do so.

During 1894 the Rosebank Distillery Ltd was formed as a public limited company, A second share issue three years later was immediately fully subscribed.

Rosebank was one of the founder distilleries that amalgamated to become Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD) in 1914. This in turn became a subsidiary of DCL.

The distillery was silent from 1917 to 1919 but was one of the few distilleries to operate during WWII.

Rosebank was mothballed in May 1993 and sold to the British Waterways Board in 2002.

After obtaining planning permission for a redevelopment, British Waterways Scotland sold the residential element to Westpoint Homes.

The redevelopment included office space; part of the distillery building was retained and now houses a public house and restaurant.

The traditional Lowland method of triple-distillation was used at Rosebank.

Rosebank Whisky Tasting Notes

Distillery Style

Nose : Light floral and grassy with a delicate trace of honey.

Palate : Light bodied. Delicate and complex, malt and honey.

Finish : Light and floral.