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 20 year old distilled in 1981 and bottled at cask strength in 2002 for the Rare Malts series. Created in the mid-1990s by United Distillers (Diageo), the Rare Malts series features bottlings from many of the group’’s distilleries, including some of the lesser known whose production was generally used for blends, as well as closed distilleries such as Port Ellen and Brora. Bottled at cask strength, the whiskies in the range are also known for their sometimes astounding alcohol content, often exceeding 60% ABV. The Rare Malts were discontinued in 2005.