Rosebank 31 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been crowned ‘Best in Show Whisk(e)y’ at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) — officially recognising it as the world’s best whisky.
The Best in Show title represents the highest global honour in spirits judging, marking a defining moment in the revival of Rosebank, long celebrated as the “King of the Lowlands.”
Distilled before Rosebank’s closure in 1993, the award-winning 31 Year Old (48.1% ABV) matured undisturbed in refill casks for over three decades. The result is a whisky of remarkable balance and subtlety — bright citrus, soft vanilla, rose petals and candied almond, bottled entirely natural in colour.
The 31YO forms part of the Rosebank Legacy Trilogy, alongside a 30 Year Old and 32 Year Old, drawn from the distillery’s final pre-closure casks.
Neil Bulloch, Rosebank Distillery Manager, said:
“This award is a tremendous moment for everyone connected to Rosebank. The 31 Year Old represents the 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.”
Leonard Russell, Chairman and Owner of Ian Macleod Distillers, added:
“Restoring Rosebank was a commitment to one of Scotland’s most admired whisky styles. To see a whisky from its silent era named the world’s best is deeply meaningful. It honours both those who crafted the original spirit and those who brought the distillery back to life.”
At the 2025 SFWSC, Rosebank swept multiple categories:
🏅 Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years & Over
🏅 Best Single Malt Scotch
🏅 Best Overall Scotch
🏆 Best in Show Whisk(e)y 2025
Judges described the winners as “the pinnacle of quality and artistry.”
A limited number of Rosebank 31 Year Old bottles remain available for collectors. Each is presented in a luxurious case, priced at £1,800, and available from www.rosebank.com, the Distillery Shop in Falkirk, and select retailers including Berry Bros. & Rudd, Hedonism, The Whisky Exchange, and Whisky World.
In the U.S., it is available through Total Wine & More and specialist retailers worldwide. These are among the final bottles from Rosebank’s silent era.
For the festive season, Rosebank has also unveiled a limited-edition Gift Box (£450) featuring:
- 20cl Rosebank 32 Year Old, from the final pre-1993 casks
- 20cl Rosebank New Make Spirit, from the revived distillery
This pairing allows enthusiasts to experience Rosebank’s past and future in one set, available via www.rosebank.com and at the distillery.
Tasting Notes – Rosebank 31 Year Old (48.1% ABV)
Appearance: Pale gold, natural colour
Nose: Citrus bursts, soft vanilla, candied almond
Palate: Camomile, berry, baked banana
Finish: Sweet peach, oak, subtle herbal notes
