Rosebank – 30 Year Old Release One (70cl, 48.6%)

This is a 30 year old Rosebank from the closed Lowlands distillery, bottled at 48.6% in a 70cl bottle. It is Release One, the first of a new annual series from Ian Macleod Distillers, who bought the distillery in 2017 and are rebuilding it. Each release is drawn from the old remaining casks. The spirit was distilled in 1990, three years before the distillery closed, and matured in 62% refill sherry butts and 38% refill bourbon hogsheads before bottling in 2020. Only 4,350 bottles were filled, and the whisky is non-chill filtered. The nose is crisp and creamy with soft floral notes. Vanilla, mint and gentle syrup lead the palate, and the finish is spiced pear.