Falkirk, FK1 5BW, Scotland
A grievous loss (Rosebank)
In the latest of our series Gavin D Smith looks at the history behind Rosebank
July 2007, Issue 65, page 31
Making all the right moves
As ways of making drinking a cerebral pastime, whisky chess takes some beating. Alex Kraaijeveld explains how it works
November 2004, Issue 44, page 40
Whisky Magazine Issue 65
Rye rebound - Blood Brothers - Teacher's - Americas whisky heartland - 50 Whiskies tasted - Barbecues - George Dickel - Woman in whisky - Benromach - Bruichladdich - Longmorn - Tullibardine.
Published July 2007.
Whisky Magazine Issue 44
Celtic Cousins - Whisky from Wales, Cornwall and Brittany - Balblair Distillery - Blended whisky tasting - Chicago bars - Amber restaurant.
Published November 2004.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 25.46 Rosebank Lemonade in a Buttercup 17 Years Old, 1991
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.10%
7 Balanced fresh and delicious.
Adelphi Rosebank 1992, 9 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 61.00%
8 The aroma promised much, but the palate is curiously drying. Rosebank was never peaty, and this is too young to be woody, so I don't know the origin of that harshness.
Berry's Own Selection Rosebank 1990
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 A teasing early freshness is the overture to a richer, modestly structured, conclusion.
Berry's Own Selection Rosebank 1990
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 Cute as a button.
Blackadder Rosebank 1992
Single Malt - Scotland - 60.00%
7 Far from Rosebank at its best. Fiery.
Cadenhead's Rosebank 1989, 9 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
8 All of the characteristic floweriness of Rosebank, but with some roundness.
Chieftain's Choice Rosebank 1991 Sherry Finish, 11 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
7 An attractive medium-bodied Rosebank. The sherry finish has added complexity to delicacy. Some exotic notes which makes it really appetising.
Connoisseur's Choice Rosebank 1988
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
8 A deft balance between the whisky's own character and the sherry.
Cooper's Choice Rosebank 1992
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
8 A reminder of a great Lowland malt lost.
Cooper's Choice Rosebank 1992, 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 Perhaps 12 years in the cask is slightly too long for most Rosebanks. This does not seem a particularly well-behaved example.
Douglas Laing Rosebank 15 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.00%
7 A straightforward refreshing dram. To be sipped on a summer afternoon. I would easily drop one or two ice cubes in my glass.
Douglas Laing Rosebank 1974 20 Years Old, The Whisky Fair
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.80%
7 Who needs afternoon tea?
Lombard Rosebank 1989
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.00%
8 A good example. Such a love potion, from a distillery that no one loved enough to keep alive.
Montgomerie's Rosebank
- Scotland - 46.00%
7 Another which shows that light doesn't mean insubstantial.
Murray McDavid Rosebank 1990
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
6 Rosebank is a delicate whisky, but just a touch more wood-extract would hold together its flavours.
Murray McDavid Rosebank 1990, Sherry Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
8 The flowery youth of the whisky and the freshness of the sherry cask achieve an interesting harmony.
Rare Malts Rosebank 20 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 62.30%
8 This is how Lowlanders used to be: drier, more herbal, more complex. Buy now, while stocks last.
Rosebank
- Scotland - 61.40%
8 Fuller than you normally get from Rosebank,but no worse for that. Highly recommended.
Rosebank 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
7 Relatively young, but beginning to weary nonetheless. Perhaps this tiredness is caused by worry about the future. A feminine whisky that has lost the first bloom of youth. Snatch a kiss while you can.
Rosebank 21 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 53.80%
8 At its best with a splash of water.
Signatory Rosebank 1989
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
6 With its curiously greeny-white colour, this one actually looks like a ghost. A shadow of a great malt.
Single Malts of Scotland Rosebank 14 Years Old, Bourbon Barrel
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 A surprising character. A light aromatic profile with a heavy mouthfeel. A touch of water keeps the balance right.
The Wee Dram Rosebank 15 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
7 Once a vamp. Now a trouper. She is a little astringent, but I am blind to her faults. I could fall for her all over again.

