Scotland, Lowlands. Distillery closed. Owner: Ian Macleaod Distillers

Closed in 1993 by owners United Distillers (Diageo), Rosebank is today the Lowlands' most sought-after malt. In a rare phenomenon experienced by only a handful of distilleries such as Macallan, Ardbeg and Laphroaig, official versions and independent bottlings are just as equally prized. In 2019, for example, three years after its release, the Rosebank True Love edition from the Roses range (Specialty Drinks) far surpassed the popularity of the official version Rosebank 20 Year Old Zenith Import (1980s), which was until then the leading expression. In September 2017, the brand and stock were bought by Ian Macleod Distillers, who, in January 2019, were given permission to renovate and reopen the distillery - a feat due for completion in 2021.

A Rosebank 18 year old distilled in 1989 and bottled in May 2007 by Scottish independent bottler Cadenhead for its Closed Distilleries range. Aged in a bourbon hogshead, this is a limited edition of 294. Cadenhead was founded in 1842 by George Duncan, who was quickly joined by William Cadenhead who renamed the business after Duncan’’s death in 1858. When Cadenhead in turn passed away in 1904, his nephew Robert Duthie took over and turned the business into the independent bottler it is today. After Duthie, it was managed by one of his employees, Ann Olivier, whose stubborn approach to running the business led to much of the stock having to be sold at auction by Christie’’s (London) in 1972 to feed the kitty and save the business. It was then sold to J. & A. Mitchell and Co, who also owned Springbank, and moved to Campbeltown.