Highland Rose 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky +presentation box.

This bottle was part of a private collection/general circulation and can have natural signs of wear!!!

Highland Rose 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky +presentation box.

Condition: Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary - Some years can vary and as estimations only (example: estimated 1970s/80s).
Lost Distillery/Brand: Yes, Lost Brand. To date, this is the only known existing bottle and box worldwide.
Fill level: In the neck.

Whisky still produced: No.
Category: Blend. 
Distillery: Still producing.
Bottler: Burn Stewart Distillers PLC
Bottling series: 
Bottling Year: 1996
Stated Age: 12 years old.
Cask type: Not stated.
Strength: 40.0 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Colouring: Unknown.
Chill-filtered: Unknown.
Bottle code: 96/C015 6065 03:45 L12
Country Origin: Scotland.
Market: Portugal.

This expression is a 12-year-old blended Scotch whisky produced by Burn Stewart Distillers PLC. It was bottled specifically for the Portuguese market under the branding of Highland Rose. The whisky is presented in a 700 ml bottle with an ABV of 40.0% and a presentation box. To date, this is the only known existing bottle and box worldwide.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Pleasant aroma

• Palate: Light, elegant, and refined taste

• Finish: Rich and smooth

Distillery History:

Founded:

1948, Glasgow, Scotland

Core Business:

Burn Stewart began as an independent blending and bottling company. Over time, it evolved into a fully integrated Scotch whisky producer, managing distilleries, maturation, blending, bottling, and international distribution.

Key Milestones:

✅ 1980s–1990s: Growth and Distillery Acquisitions

• Acquired Deanston Distillery (Highland region) in 1990

• Later purchased Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, which produces both Tobermory and Ledaig single malts

• Also acquired Bunnahabhain Distillery (Islay) in 2003

✅ Whisky Brands (Owned or Managed):

• Scottish Leader – Blended Scotch

• Black Bottle – Islay-style blend

• Highland Rose – Export-only blend (e.g., Portugal)

• Deanston, Tobermory, and Ledaig – Single malts

• Burn Stewart also bottled and distributed various own-label blends and contract brands

Ownership Changes:

🔸 2002: Management buyout with backing from the investment firm CL Financial (Trinidad & Tobago)

Burn Stewart became known for producing and marketing mid-tier to premium Scotch whiskies, focusing on traditional, un-chill-filtered expressions and strong branding.

🔸 2013: Acquired by Distell Group Limited, a South African beverage company, for approx. £160 million

This acquisition included all brands, distilleries, and maturation stocks. Distell integrated Burn Stewart’s portfolio into its broader global operations.

Current Status (Post-2013):

Burn Stewart no longer exists as a standalone PLC. Its operations are now part of the Distell International spirits division.

In 2022, Heineken announced a majority acquisition of Distell Group, including Burn Stewart's former brands, signalling a potential future reshaping of ownership and global distribution.

Summary:

• Founded: 1948, Glasgow

• Known for: Blends like Scottish Leader, Black Bottle; single malts like Deanston, Tobermory, and Ledaig

• Acquired by Distell: 2013

• Legacy: Burn Stewart was known for its commitment to traditional production, especially un-chill-filtered whiskies and natural-colour bottlings

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