King Charles tried "the best whiskey in the world" as the royal attended a reception at The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
The monarch joined the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP, at an event that brought together leaders from major industries to highlight Scottish innovation and entrepreneurship.
In attendance was Leonard Russell, the managing director and chairman of family-owned firm Ian Macleod Distillers, who shared with GB News how the King "was very complimentary" when trying Rosebank Whiskey's 31-year-old Single Malt.
Mr Russell told the People's Channel: "The last Rosebank Whiskey was distilled 31 years ago and was awarded the best whiskey in the world - not just the best scotch, but the best whiskey in the world, in the San Francisco spirits competition.
Leonard Russell (left) spoke to GB News about his experience meeting the King. | PATRENDING
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"And the King was keen on that. And he said, what makes it the best whiskey? Then he tried it, and he said: 'Oh, it's got notes of toffee.'
"It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet him. I wasn't expecting it to happen, and I'm delighted it did."
Mr Russell shared that the King has associations with whiskey and has been involved in tasting before.
He told the People's Channel: "He does have links with whiskey. He is, very kindly, the Honorary Keeper of the Quaich, which is a Scotch whiskey industry initiative that celebrates individuals who have contributed to the Scotch whiskey industry."
The King has been involved in whiskey tasting in the past.
|REUTERS
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Mr Russell continued: "The King has very kindly attended before, and he gives royal warrants to whiskey.
"I think he's given a royal warrant to Laphroaig, and he is interested in the Scotch Whiskey industry.
"He's done many whiskey tastings before, so he was interested in the project and encouraged about the renovation of distilleries."
The chairman of Ian Macleod Distillers joined the King for a taste of his 31-year-old whiskey, cracking a joke which made His Majesty laugh.
Mr Russell (left) joined the King for a taste of his whiskey.
|PA
Mr Russell told GB News: "Breaking dry January with the best whiskey in the world is a good excuse - drink less but better, I think that's what made him laugh."
Founded in Falkirk in 1840, Rosebank Distillery was shut down for three decades before being revived by Ian Macleod Distillers.
Following the completion of a renovation project, the distillery opened its doors to visitors in June 2024.
People can experience an immersive 90-minute tour of the working distillery, a close look at Rosebank's triple distillation process and tutored tastings of world-class whiskey in spacious, custom-built tasting rooms.
The King was 'very complimentary' of the whiskey.
|PA
Since its opening in 2024, Rosebank Distillery has attracted over 31,000 visitors from more than 38 countries, enjoying robust support from international travel trade partners who now include the distillery in their Scottish itineraries.
The Rosebank shop features the world's largest collection of rare historic Rosebank whiskies distilled at the original site.
Whiskey tried by the King is in limited stock with very few bottles left.
A 31-year-old bottle of Rosebank Legacy Release Two, a rare Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, is available for £1,800.
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