IAN MACLEOD DISTILLERS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RESURRECT THE ROSEBANK DISTILLERY

Ian Macleod Distillers, has today announced plans to resurrect the iconic Lowland distillery, Rosebank.

Located on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, Rosebank, which has been dubbed as ‘The King of the Lowlands’ was mothballed in 1993, by its then owners United Distillers.

Ian Macleod Distillers Managing Director: Leonard Russell

Rosebank’s history on its present site began in 1840, when James Rankine acquired the maltings of the Camelon Distillery, which were on the opposite side of the canal to the main distillery.

By 1886 Rosebank was operating on both sides of the canal with the Camelon building producing malt which was then transferred over a swing bridge to the distillery building. In the 20th century it was considered one of, if not the, premier Lowland malts.

Ian Macleod Distillers, has entered into a binding agreement with Scottish Canals to purchase the site and has separately acquired the Rosebank trademark from Diageo.

Commenting on the news, Leonard Russell, Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Rosebank is one of the most respected and sought after single malts in the world. As such, this is an extraordinarily exciting project for us. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

He went onto say: “The distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we are committed to ensuring this is the case. We will produce Rosebank Lowland single malt in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers. This way we ensure the revival of its classic style and taste.”

He concluded by saying: “Over the coming months we will carefully review Rosebank’s rare stocks, with a view to releasing some truly scarce and extraordinary whiskies. We have no doubt that demand for these releases will be exceptionally high so we already have plans in place to make sure collectors and Rosebank lovers can keep up to date.”

The news follows yesterday's announcement by Diageo, of its plans to reopen two of its most iconic distilleries; Port Ellen and Brora.

All the latest developments on the resurrected Rosebank Distillery, and details on new releases of its rare and collectable bottlings, will be available via www.rosebankwhisky.co.uk

Posted by Steve Rush

PORT ELLEN AND BRORA DISTILLERIES TO REOPEN FOLLOWING £35M INVESTMENT BY DIAGEO

Diageo, has announced plans to bring back to life two of its most iconic distilleries, which fell silent after being closed in the 1980s.

Port Ellen and Brora distilleries, will once again see its stills come alive, as part of a £35 million investment, which is also said to be a statement of confidence by Diageo, in the future of the Scotch whisky industry.

Port Ellen Distillery on Islay

Port Ellen Distillery on Islay, and Brora on the remote eastern coast of Sutherland, which both closed in 1983, will both be reinstated to distil in carefully controlled quantities, with a meticulous attention to detail, replicating where possible the distillation regimes and spirit character of the original distilleries. Cask filling and traditional warehousing will also be included on the sites of both distilleries.

For many years whisky fans around the world have called on Diageo to reopen these closed distilleries. The decision is partly a response to those demands from existing enthusiasts but it also reflects the strong growth in the single malt Scotch market and the opportunity to create new generations of whisky consumers.

The investment will also include the building of dedicated Brand Homes at the distilleries to welcome guests and they are expected to become iconic attractions in the Scottish tourism landscape.

Commenting on the news, Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach, said: “This is a truly exceptional moment in Scotch whisky. Port Ellen and Brora are names which have a uniquely powerful resonance with whisky-lovers around the world and the opportunity to bring these lost distilleries back to life is as rare and special as the spirit for which the distilleries are famous."

He went onto say: “Only a very few people will ever be able to try the original Port Ellen and Brora single malts as they become increasingly rare, so we are thrilled that we will now be able to produce new expressions of these whiskies for new generations of people to enjoy. Scotch whisky is Scotland’s gift to the world and the rebirth of these distilleries is a great gift to malt whisky lovers everywhere.”

The new Brora and Port Ellen distilleries, will be among Diageo’s smallest distilleries, capable of producing 800,000 litres of alcohol per year. Subject to planning permission and regulatory consents, detailed design, construction and commissioning work, the distilleries are expected to start production by 2020. 

Posted by Steve Rush

WALSH WHISKEY LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION CASK STRENGTH IRISHMAN BOTTLING

The Walsh Whiskey Distillery, has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition, vintage bottling from its ‘The Irishman’ whiskey brand.

The Irishman Cask Strength – 2017 Vintage (54% ABV) 2017 is a vatting of single pot still and single malt Irish whiskeys, which have been matured in first-fill bourbon casks.

The Irishman Cask Strength - 2017 Vintage

This latest release from the County Carlow based distillery, was launched at this years Tax Free World Association (TFWA) conference in Cannes, and marks the brands stepping up of its Travel Retail activity and footprint.

Commenting on the launch, , Shane Fitzharris , Walsh Whiskey Distillery’s, Senior Global Sales Manager, said: “This rare and exclusive release introduces complex notes of woody spices combining with summer fruits. Subtle hints of toasted almonds and bourbon oak are followed by elegant tones of dried fruit and raisins delivering an intense finish bursting with depth and flavour. I hope the lucky few who acquire this release enjoy every moment.”

Limited to 3,510 bottles, The Irishman Cask Strength – 2017 Vintage, will be available later this month in select global markets and Travel Retail, for a RRP of €125.00.

Posted by Steve Rush