Ian Macleod Distillers has been granted planning permission to start work on the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Rosebank distillery in Falkirk, Scotland. Following planning approval, Ian Macleod is purchasing the site from its current owners, Scottish Canals. And the company said it is already making plans to distribute the whisky in travel retail (see below).
Rosebank ceased production in 1993 when former owner, United Distillers & Vintners (now Diageo), closed the site, with its maltings converted into a restaurant. Rosebank whisky, which is dubbed the ‘King of the Lowlands’, is regarded as one of the most respected Lowland single malts.
Redevelopment plans include a 1,000sq m energy-efficient distillery, with a production capacity of up to one million litres of alcohol per year. The iconic Rosebank chimney will remain in place and other historically significant canal side buildings will be retained and refurbished for use as a visitor centre, tasting room, shop and warehouse space.
Ian Macleod Distillers Managing Director Leonard Russell said: “We’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone of the Rosebank redevelopment project. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Rosebank distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we’re committed to ensuring this remains the case. We will strive to replicate the unique Rosebank style by once more employing the techniques of triple distillation and worm tub condensers, for which this iconic Lowland single malt is famed.”
Ian Macleod Distillers acquired the Rosebank brand and last remaining stocks from Diageo in 2017. The company expects to use this limited Rosebank whisky, distilled in the last few years before Rosebank distillery was closed, for a small number of releases from this year.
Ian Macleod Distillers Global Travel Retail Director William Ovens said the company was already making plans for the whisky in global travel retail.
“The brand is highly sought after, with many people rightly describing it as the ‘King of the Lowlands’; to that end it is only fit and proper that travel retail plays a part in its brand strategy, given the opportunity the channel presents to showcase the best luxury brands.”
“Rosebank’s luxury positioning is a complement to Ian Macleod Distillers super-premium single malts of Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead, as well as completing its range across four different malt regions.”
