A SCOTTISH distillery has completed its first distillation runs after more than thirty years of silence.
The news about Rosebank Distillery comes amid significant progress at the Falkirk site as it prepares to re-open to visitors in 2024.
Cask no. 001 is now maturing and is a major milestone on the site’s journey to restoration since reconstruction started in 2019.
Owner Ian Macleod Distillers has restored the site from the ground up at its original location in Falkirk.
The site was mothballed in 1993 and distillery manager Malcolm Rennie has said the team is “excited” to welcome back visitors.
“We’ve known all along the magic and majesty that Rosebank retains, and you can really feel this come to life as we start up production once again and fill the first cask with the new Rosebank Spirit, Cask no. 001”, he said.
“We’ve assembled a fantastic distillery team and there is excitement among us all as we complete our first distillation runs.
“This is the first Rosebank spirit to be distilled in more than 30 years, so it’s an absolute honour to oversee the moment, and play a part in returning this once whisky giant to its former glory.”
Blueprints of stills were found and used to recreate the shape and characteristics of those from the original distillery.
The landmark chimney has also been repaired and continues to dominate the skyline and centres the distillery site.
From 2024, the site promises to offer a world-class visitor experience with the finishing touches being applied to a series of spaces across the historic building.
The final key element of the last part of the build is a two-storey car park ensuring the local community are shielded from visitor parking needs.
The car park could allow for more than 50,000 visitors to the highly anticipated attraction every year.
