Rosebank 31 Year Old whisky has been recognised as the world’s best.

Rosebank 31 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been named Best in Show – Whisk(e)y at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), officially recognising it as the World’s Best Whisky and placing it ahead of thousands of global entries spanning Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the US and other major whisky-producing nations.

The accolade represents the highest honour in international spirits judging and marks a defining milestone in the revival of Rosebank, long revered as the King of the Lowlands.

In a move significant for the channel, Ian Macleod Distillers has confirmed that a limited number of bottles, normally reserved for domestic markets, will be released into global travel retail. “A limited number of Rosebank 31 Year Old bottles, normally only sold in the domestic channel, will be made available to whisky collectors and enthusiasts in the GTR channel,” says Ian Macleod Distillers Head of Global Travel Retail, William Ovens. “These are among the final bottles from Rosebank’s silent era and we are delighted to confirm we are in discussion with our partners to release a limited number of Rosebank 31 Year Old bottles into our key strategic outlets in GTR.”

The winning expression, bottled at 48.1% ABV in a 70cl format and retailing at £1,800, was distilled before the closure of the Rosebank distillery in 1993 and matured undisturbed in refill casks for over 30 years. It showcases the house style that made Rosebank a cult name: bright citrus, soft vanilla, rose petals and candied almond, with a natural colour that reflects the whisky’s careful maturation.

Presented in a luxury case, the 31 Year Old forms part of the Rosebank Legacy Trilogy, which also includes a 30 Year Old and 32 Year Old — the final releases drawn from the distillery’s remaining pre-1993 casks.

Rosebank secured multiple category wins in the Scotch division before taking the overall whisk(e)y title, 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”.

The winning expression was distilled before the closure of the Rosebank distillery in 1993.

Rosebank Distillery Manager Neil Bulloch said: “This award is a tremendous moment for everyone connected to Rosebank. The 31YO 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.”

Ian Macleod Distillers Chairman and Owner Leonard Russell 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 those who crafted the original spirit and those who helped bring the distillery back to life.”

Founded in 1840 in Falkirk, Rosebank fell silent in 1993 and remained closed for more than 25 years. Its award-winning restoration, completed in 2023, has been hailed as one of the most significant distillery revivals of modern times. The World’s Best Whisky title now cements Rosebank’s position not only as an icon reborn, but as a top-tier luxury proposition poised to generate exceptional interest among collectors, connoisseurs and travel retail shoppers worldwide.

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