Until last year it was known as the sleeping giant of Scottish distilleries. But now, Rosebank Distillery whisky has been named best in the world.
After more than 30 years of closure, Ian Macleod Distillers lovingly brought the Falkirk ghost distillery, previously thought to be lost forever, back to life.
It took four years to complete the restoration, but last year the new distillery returned as an iconic landmark for the Falkirk community.
Just a year later, Rosebank 31 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, officially recognising it as the world’s best whisky.
The Best in Show title is the highest honour in global spirits judging. This accolade marks a landmark moment in the revival of Rosebank, long considered the King of the Lowlands and one of Scotland’s most admired distilleries.
The winning expression, Rosebank 31 Year Old (48.1% ABV), was distilled before the distillery’s closure in 1993 and left undisturbed in refill casks for over three decades.
The exceptional casks capture the distillery’s unmistakable Lowland character: bright citrus, soft vanilla, rose petals and candied almond, and entirely natural in colour.
It was previously thought the distillery might be lost forever until it was brought back to life last year.
The 31YO forms part of the Rosebank Legacy Trilogy, also including a 30 Year Old and 32 Year Old, the final releases drawn from the distillery’s remaining pre-1993 casks.
‘This award is a tremendous moment for everyone connected to Rosebank,’ Neil Bulloch, Rosebank Distillery Manager, said.
‘The 31 Year Old represents the very best of the spirit laid down before the distillery fell silent. Our responsibility now is to carry that character forward as Rosebank enters a new chapter.’
Rosebank secured top honours across the Scotch categories before being named Best in Show, including Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years and Over, Best Single Malt Scotch and Best Overall Scotch.
The SFWSC judges described the Best in Show winners as ‘the pinnacle of quality and artistry.’
A limited number of Rosebank 31 Year Old bottles remain for whisky collectors and enthusiasts to acquire. Each bottle is presented in a luxury case and costs £1,800.
‘Restoring Rosebank was a commitment to one of Scotland’s most admired whisky styles,’ Leonard Russell, Chairman and Owner of family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers, said.
‘To see a whisky from its silent era named the world’s best is deeply meaningful. It honours those who crafted the original spirit and those who helped bring the distillery back to life.’
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