Green light for multi-million Rosebank Distillery revival 

Ian Macleod Distillers has been granted planning permission to start work on its multi-million pound redevelopment of the Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk.

Following the lodging of a planning application in June 2018 and a subsequent extensive public consultation process, Falkirk Council has now given the green light to the Rosebank restoration, which is one of the most respected and sought-after Lowland single malt whiskies in the world, widely termed the ‘King of the Lowlands’.

Rosebank ceased production in 1993 when former owner UDV (now Diageo), mothballed the site and its maltings were converted into a restaurant.

After 25 years of lying dormant, the extensive work to revitalise the Distillery is now expected to begin shortly.  This will generate 25 full time equivalent jobs for the local economy when it commences distillation and opens to visitors around Autumn 2020.

Situated on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, the revived Rosebank Distillery hopes to attract around 50,000 visitors a year to Falkirk and will offer a wide range of distillery tours, with some featuring the very last drams of Rosebank distilled prior to the distillery’s 1993 closure.

Plans include a new circa 1,000-square metre contemporary and 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.

Leonard Russell, Managing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers, owners of Rosebank, 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.

“Our investment goes beyond production. We’re proud to be investing in Falkirk by adding to the town’s flourishing economy and tourism scene with a new Rosebank Visitor Centre, to help tell the story of this remarkable whisky.

“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 unique techniques of triple distillation and worm tub condensers, for which this iconic Lowland single malt is famed.”

Following planning approval from Falkirk Council, Ian Macleod is purchasing the Rosebank site from its current owners, Scottish Canals.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals for their support of our vision to revive Rosebank Distillery. The backing from both parties has brought our vision to life and enabled the smooth running of this initial phase of the project. We look forward to continuing these relationships as we progress through the next stages.”, added Russell.

Councillor David Alexander, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development said: “It’s great to see the Rosebank Distillery coming back into use and this large investment on the site is to be welcomed. We’ve worked closely with Scottish Canals and Ian Macleod Distillers to ensure that this site can become a great tourist attraction as well as bringing investment to the local economy and new employment opportunities. We look forward to seeing this historic site transformed and producing whisky that will be recognised across the world.”

Ian Macleod Distillers also acquired the Rosebank brand and last remaining stocks from former owners, Diageo, in October 2017. The company expects to use this limited Rosebank whisky for a small number of releases from 2019, distilled in the last few years before Rosebank Distillery closed its doors in 1993.

For more information, please visit www.rosebank.com

Please drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes:  

About Rosebank Distillery

Rosebank Distillery is located beside the Forth & Clyde Canal at Camelon, between the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies. Its history on the present site begins 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. In 1993, owners, United Distillers, mothballed the building. Rosebank’s single malts are now some of the most sought-after in the collectors’ market.

About Ian Macleod Distillers

Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers. Ian Macleod Distillers became a fully integrated distiller, blender and bottler in 2003 when it purchased Glengoyne Distillery. This was followed by the acquisition of its second distillery, Tamdhu, in 2011 and more recently, Edinburgh Gin in September 2016.

About Falkirk

The Falkirk area has seen significant tourism growth. In the period 2009 to 2017 there has been an increase in visitors to the area of 53% and the economic impact of this sector has grown by 63% and numbers employed has seen growth of over 18%. There are now three five star (Visit Scotland rated) attractions in the area – The Kelpies in Helix Park, Callendar House and Xtreme Karting and two of Scotland’s top ten attractions in relation to visitor numbers. For more information about tourism in the Falkirk area go to www.visitfalkirk.com

Maker’s Mark 46 “K&L Exclusive Barrel #906” Private Select Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $69.99 View

The extremely popular Maker’s Private Select barrel program has become one of our favorite. Maker’s has always had some serious cache, but their consistency and commitment to their original product line might have hurt their clout with the cognoscenti. But over the last few years they’ve started to introduce new products many of which have become go-to products for our customers. This trend has culminated in the creation of the Private Select program, which offers accounts an opportunity to create their own finishes onto of the already delicious Maker’s Cask Strength flavor profile. They start with a small batch dump of cask strength (10 barrels). Used barrels are then popped open and filled with a special selection of 10 custom staves of various toast and char levels. In this case, LA manager Illya Haase determined the recipe. We’ve got 2 staves of Baked American Pure adding deep vanilla and sweet woodiness. 3 Seared French Cuvee staves offering bold cinnamon and a balancing tannin. And 5 Roasted French Mocha (a first for any K&L Private Select) adding dense dark coffee, cocoa, and subtle licorice to the mix. All in all this is the most unique and intriguing Private Select we’ve done to date. Truly the total package, with an integration right out of the bottle that isn’t always evident in these barrels. I liked this one at cask strength with no water. Bravo Illya, bravo!

1999 Finest Orkeny Single Cask (Highland Park) 18 Year Old “John Milroy” Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

The Highland Park distillery has always been a favorite of aficionados. It’s risen to international prominence over the last several years thanks to a strong marketing push from their owners, the Edrington Group. Their move toward highlighting the island’s Scandinavian history has brought about plethora of unique “limited” offerings and special editions. While many have been very good, the general theme is fewer age statements and higher prices. But, something has happened over couple of years. An unbelievable amount of “no name” Orkney Single Malt casks are popping up at bottlers across Scotland. Usually coming out of refill bourbon and hogshead barrels, this high quality malt was likely sold to raise money for Macallan’s expensive new distillery. Most bottlers know that they’ve stumbled on a cash cow. Cask strength single barrel HP commands very high prices on the open market. Our 12 year old single cask from the distillery sells without issue at $160 and our competitors sold theirs for $200+. Those all sold out months ago. So our suppliers didn’t think anything of expecting to get £100 ($200+ stateside) per bottle for this stuff. And several bottlers have gone ahead and done just that ’cause why not? So when our friend Doug McIver came to use with this wonderful cask at bargain basement prices, we knew we had a winner. Cask strength single cask HP 18 for $100 retail? Of course! But, this isn’t one of those, “well for $100, it’s pretty good” whiskies. This is the real deal.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

GLENMORANGIE ALLTA PRIVATE EDITION NO.10

Glenmorangie Allta is the 10th anniversary release of the “Private Edition” series that has seen the distillery pushing the boundaries in terms of cask and ingredients used to produce whisky. The Allta meaning “Wild” in Gaelic sees a bespoke yeast strain found on local Cadboll barley being utilised for the first time to produce a fragrant spirit, which has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels to highlight its fruity character and lend a rich creaminess to the finished whisky.

BUY NOW

TASTING NOTES FROM THE PRODUCER

Nose:

Rounded, with biscuity, yeasty tones. Gentle floral notes of carnations and Parma violets, baking bread, very gentle vanilla, soft raisins and sweet mandarin orange.

Palate:

A crisp citrus bite to the mouthfeel. Butter candy, creamy vanilla, orange syrup with slightly yeasty background. Gentle mint, the tiniest hint of sweet chilli and delicate, dancing, floral notes.

Finish:

Long and earthy with hints of bittersweet orange and peppermint.

ORDERS YOURS NOW

Please note the product page may display zero availability because this product is available on pre-order. Orders will be shipped from Monday 4th February.

With the long month of January now behind us, it’s time to look forward to a February full of new whisky revelations and experiences, so we’ve lined up a spectacular bottling list to help you do just that.

Make sure you don’t miss out on your next ‘eureka moment’, click over to our website now and browse the full listing ahead of the release on Friday, 1 February at 9am (GMT).

READ ONLINE                      ALL WHISKY

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Save the date: 10th February, 6-8pm

We’re delighted to say that we are back in London next week to collect whisky. 10th February, 6-8pm, St Paul’s Hotel Hammersmith. If you would like to attend this whisky rendez-vous please fill out the attendance form by clicking on the picture.

 Additionally please click on the button below and fill out our ‘Submission Sheet’.

SUBMISSION SHEET

We love the fact that SWA is an online auction site, it allows for so much!! But what we often miss is that human contact! We would love to hear from you and how you’ve enjoyed using our service. Perhaps you’ve experience excellent customer service from an individual or just really loved the auction. If you have, please let us know. How? Follow the below buttons! Thanks in advance!!

From, The SWA Team

Tomatin the Scottish whisky distillery

We’ve recently created some aphrodisiac whisky cocktails ready for Valentine’s Day.

For example

Cherry Blossom
50ml Tomatin Legacy
Barspoon cherry jam
50ml Coconut water
2ml Orange blossom water

Coconut water is a natural aphrodisiac and the red cherries add a lovable flavour to the valentines themed cocktail.

Free Burn Highball
37.5ml Tomatin 12-year-old
12.5ml Sweet vermouth
Dash Angostura bitters
Ginger ale
Garnish with lemon and fresh thyme

Ginger is another aphrodisiac ingredient.

Lasting Legacy
50ml Tomatin Legacy
25ml Elderflower liquor
25ml lemon juice
50ml pineapple juice
Dash angostura bitters

Aphrodisiac ingredient: pineapple

Food pairings

Chocolate cake with Tomatin 14-year old 
Pastry case
250g of plain flour
100g of icing sugar
35g ground almonds
125g unsalted butter
1 egg & 1 egg yolk
Chocolate and chilli filling
400g of dark chocolate
350ml double cream
¾ sp chilli flakes
150ml milk

Chillies and chocolate are both aphrodisiacs.

Here’s what we think would make the best Valentines meal to accompany the chocolate cake with Whisky pairings 

Starter

Cured Scottish trout in 12-year-old Tomatin. Served with a fresh apple and ginger salad

4x 120g Trout fillets, boned and skinned

2 cox pippin apples

2′ knob of grated ginger

1 box watercress

1x 25ml Tomatin 12-year-old

1tbsp summer harvest rapeseed oil

Main Course

Five spice Scotch lamb rump paired with the Tomatin Cask Strength Whisky

Lamb rump with spiced hazelnut, Asian greens and a glazed sauce.

Recipe

400g chopped skinned roasted hazelnuts

300g toasted sesame seeds

6tbsp coriander seeds

4tbsp garlic powder

6tbsp cumin seeds

4tbsp cracked pepper

3tbsp sea salt

For the first time ever, Jack Daniel’s will advertise during game day with its widely-praised ad “Our Town,” which puts the people of Lynchburg – home to the Jack Daniel Distillery – front and center. Jack Daniel’s will be the only spirits brand to place a national spot during the pregame window.

“This ad has been so well received by our friends around the world, and we’re excited to share it and a bit of our town on football’s biggest stage,” said Matt Blevins, Jack Daniel’s Group Brand Director. “Jack Daniel’s wouldn’t be what it is without the people who make it, and this is a way for us to celebrate our town and those who mean so much to our brand.”

Featuring real Lynchburg residents, “Our Town” provides an authentic look at the small town that’s home to only 600 residents but produces the world’s supply of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. The 60-second spot will air towards the end of pregame coverage on CBS.

The “Our Town” spot can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/uf-hhBhsIds

“A heartfelt tribute to a meticulous craftsman and the tipple
that’s the life blood of Scotland” David Parkinson, RADIO TIMES

SCOTCH: THE GOLDEN DRAM
Directed by Andrew Peat

UK & IRELAND THEATRICAL RELEASE 8 MARCH, 2019

TRAILER | STILLS

Scotch: The Golden Dram, a revealing feature documentary on how Scotch whisky became the premiere spirit of choice around the globe, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on March 8 by Parkland Entertainment and Munro Films. This follows the film’s European premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 1 and Irish premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival on March 2. The film journeys to the stunning Scottish countryside to uncover the history of the craft and to meet some of the biggest names in the industry.

Shot entirely on location in Scotland, Scotch: The Golden Dram tells the story of uisge-beatha, Gaelic for “water of life”, which is enjoyed in more than 200 countries, generating over $6 billion in exports each year. The film charts the Cinderella tale of legendary master distiller Jim McEwan, a veteran with over 50 years standing in the industry, who takes on a dilapidated distillery on his home island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides and turns it into an award-winning blend. Some of the other ardent enthusiasts featured include Richard Paterson, a master blender whose nose was insured for $2.5 million, as well as biochemist whisky-maker Dr Bill Lumsden, and master distiller Ian MacMillan.

The film marks director-producer Andrew Peat’s feature-length documentary debut, a passion project for the American filmmaker who studied at St Andrew’s University in Scotland.

Andrew Peat says, “I am absolutely delighted to bring our film to UK and Irish audiences. The heart of our film is the characters, the men and women who produce Scotch whisky, from the barley farmers to the bottle makers. And you can literally see the passion and joy and pride they have in their work and this world-renowned product. They share their amazing stories, and some very humorous anecdotes. It’s a very educational film (you learn the entire process of whisky making), but at the same time it’s a film of the heart. You will laugh and possibly cry by the time the credits roll.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, adds “Scotch whisky is a culinary and cultural icon and one of Scotland’s most valuable commodities. Visitors from across the globe come to our shores to experience an authentic Scottish dram, with one in five making a trip to a whisky distillery while here. We’re delighted that the love and craft which goes into our national drink forms the basis of Scotch: The Golden Dram. Combine that with the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscapes which shape the ‘water of life’ and you have a film which we hope will leave viewers thirsty for more about Scotland.”

Scotch: The Golden Dram is on general release from March 8 and will be screening at Glasgow Film Festival on March 1, which includes a Q&A and whisky tasting session. The film’s Irish premiere with Q&A takes place at the Dublin International Film Festival on March 2,

For further information about the film, visit the film’s Facebook page at scotchthegoldendram and Twitter @TheGoldenDram

Notes 

Scotch: The Golden Dram features: Jim McEwan, Richard Paterson, Dr Bill Lumsden, Ian MacMillan, Charles MacLean, Lynne McEwan, Brodie Nairn, Georgie Bell, Robbie Hughes.

Distilleries featured: BRUICHLADDICH (Islay), LAPHROAIG (Islay), GLENMORANGIE (Tain, Ross-shire), TOMATIN (near Inverness), LAGAVULIN (Islay), ARDBEG (Islay).About director-producer Andrew Peat

A graduate of the USC film school (MFA), Andrew grew up in northern California, spent a year studying at St. Andrews University, Scotland, and has lived most his adult life in Taiwan and China. At age 11, he declared he would be a storyteller, and has steadily pursued that interest. He now splits his time between making films for Island Productions (Taiwan) and teaching as an associate professor in the film department at United International College, Zhuhai, China.

VisitScotland

• VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
• Scotland has 5 distinct whisky regions – Highlands & Islands, Speyside, Lowlands, Islay, and Campbeltown – which all have unique characteristics and flavours that differentiate them.
• 20% of research participants of the Scotland Visitor Survey stated they visited a whisky distillery on their holiday, making it one of the top activities for overnight tourists on their trip to Scotland.
• For more on whisky tourism: https://www.visitscotland.org/research-insights/about-our-visitors/interests-activities/food-drink

About Parkland Pictures/Parkland Entertainment

Parkland Pictures is a UK based all-rights independent entertainment company that produces films, TV dramas, factual series and documentaries, as well as acquiring independently produced content for worldwide film sales representation and fully international distribution. Established in 1998, by founder and CEO, John Cairns, Parkland Pictures is dedicated to developing a slate of high-quality films and TV programmes for a highly targeted and defined audience, building a legacy across all channels and platforms, including frontline theatrical releasing.

At the Toronto Film Festival Sept 2018, Parkland launched its UK distribution arm, Parkland Entertainment, the company’s distribution arm, which was established in partnership with 30-industry veteran Tom Stewart, formerly of Arrow Films and Metrodome Distribution. Parkland Entertainment’s mantra is ‘films for a targeted audience’, which effectively means identifying a genuinely engaged consumer base across all platforms, with theatrical releasing firmly in the driving seat. This could mean strength within a region, talent attached with a loyal fan-base, or simply content with a proven appeal to multi-platform and format purchasing audiences.

About Munro Films

Launched in 2011, Munro Films brings award-winning and highly-acclaimed independent British and international films to UK and Irish cinema screens. This includes The Receptionist, Brawl in Cell Block 99, Bruce Parry’s Tawai – A Voice from the Forest, Q Magazine’s Best Film 2017 Bunch of Kunst (A Film about Sleaford Mods), Cobain: Montage of Heck, the BAFTA-nominated Northern Soul, Liv Ullmann’s Miss Julie, McLaren and the Academy-Award shortlisted The Fencer.

Our Top K&L Exclusive Casks of the Year

We’ve presented more than a few impressive Scotch casks over the course of 2019. Now, as whisky season draws to a close, we thought it the perfect opportunity to re-visit some of our biggest hits. By working directly with a vast network of producers and suppliers, our spirits team has built the top program in the United States. Not only are we selecting many of the finest casks on the market, but we are offering them at ridiculously low prices. This combination of quality, value, and exclusivity has been a sure-fire winner at every turn. From the fabulous Clynelish 23 Year Old from Signatory to the striking and classic Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old from Old Particular, this is Scotch at its very best. The bottlings are not only ideal last-minute gifts for the Scotch lover in your life but they are also excellent finds that will reward collectors for many years to come. You’ll find something for everyone in this exciting lineup.

Tamdhu 19 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

2001 Ben Nevis 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

1997 Blair Athol 21 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $109.99 View

1995 Allt-a-Bhain 23 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $119.99 View

1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

1998 Orkney (Highland Park) 20 Year Old “Thompson Bros.” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

2005 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $159.99 View

1997 Benriach 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Rum Barrel Finish Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $169.99 View

1995 Clynelish 23 Year Old “Signatory Vintage Black Label” K&L Exclusive Single 2nd Fill Sherry Butt #11239 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $249.99 View

1988 Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $349.99 View

1995 Caperdonich 24 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $399.99 View

Springbank 22 Year Old “Sovereign Wax Top” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $399.99 View

Glenmorangie Private Edition 10 – Allta

Glenmorangie Allta will be the 10th entry in as many years into Glenmorangie’s award winning Private Edition series. Since 2009 a new limited edition single malt whisky has been added each year.

Glenmorangie Allta (Scots Gaelic for ‘wild’) is the Distillery’s first single malt to be created with yeast discovered growing wild on its own barley.

This makes Glenmorangie Allta the first ever single malt to have been fermented using their own bespoke strain of yeast.

Unique | Different | Interesting

Pre-order Glenmorangie Private Edition 10 – Allta Today

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rounded, biscuit/yeasty tones. Gentle floral notes (carnations and Palma violets), baking bread, very gentle vanilla, soft raisins and sweet mandarin orange.

Taste: A crisp citrus ‘bite’ to the mouthfeel. Butter candy, creamy vanilla, orange syrup with yeasty background. Gentle mint, the tiniest hint of sweet chilli and delicate, dancing floral notes.

Finish: Long and earthy with hints of bitter sweet orange and peppermint.

£79 Pre-Order Now

Pre-orders being dispatched W/C 4th February.

Learn more here