Allt-a-Bhainne
A new distillery located on the
slopes of Benrinnes and was built in
1975. The distillery is owned by
Chivas, and was re-opened in 2005
after a three year hiatus. There has
never been an official bottling of
Allt-a-Bhainne but we’ve seen
several independent bottlings
available. Allt-a-Bhainne’s water
supply comes from the
Scurran & Rowantree Burns.
Gaelic Meaning: Burn of Milk
Established: 1975
Pronunciation:
olta VAYne
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Location:
Glenrinnes, Banffshire AB55 4DI
Style
Light, floral
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Cadenhead)
www.chivas.com
http://www.wmcadenhead.com/ |
|
Aberlour
Located at the meeting of the rivers
Lour and Spey, Aberlour is one of
Scotland’s premier and most
beautiful distilleries. The
distillery provides one of the best
tours you’ll find and you can even
bottle your own dram. Aberlour
produces full bodied sherry whisky.
If you like Macallan, you’ll love
Aberlour. The distillery uses spring
water that rises through peat and
granite from Ben Aberlour is an
ancient and beautiful place with a
community that dates back over
fourteen hundred years. Aberlour
gets its water supply from the Ben
Rinnes. Their cask strength
expression A’bunadh (the origin)
can’t be beat if you like a big
sherried whisky.
Gaelic Meaning: Mouth of the
chattering burn
Established: 1879
Pronunciation: Ab er lore
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01340 881249
Location: Aberlour, Banffshire, AB3
9PJ
Style
Full bodied, big sherry, fruity,
after dinner
Range
10 Year Old
15 Year Old
‘a’bunadh’ Cask Strength
Tasting Notes
http://www.aberlour.co.uk/welcome.asp
www.chivas.com |
|
|
|
|
Ardmore
Ardmore Distillery lies on the main
Aberdeen
to Inverness railway line at
Kennethmont. The distillery's main
function is to provide whisky for
the Teacher's blend.
Ardmore
is a very peaty dram for a Speyside
and is available primarily through
independent bottlers. Ardmore’s
water supply comes from
Knockandy Hill.
Established: 1898
Pronunciation: Ard More
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 8
Tours: Not open to the public
Location:
Kennethmont, Huntly, Aberdeenshire,
AB54 4NH
Style
Malty, creamy & peaty
Range
A major part of the Teachers blend
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Signatory)
www.allieddomecqplc.com |
|
Auchroisk
The distillery is on the main road
between Craigellachie and Keith. Up
until recently this dram was
marketed as the Singleton of
Auchroisk at 10 years old, however
this bottling has now been withdrawn
from the market and replaced by a 10
year old Auchroisk Flora and Fauna
bottling. Water comes from the Mulben Burn and Dorie's Well.
Gaelic Meaning: Ford of the Red
Stream
Established: 1973
Pronunciation: Ach Roysk
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 8
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 885000
Location: Mulben, Banffshire, AB55
6XS
Style
Sweet fruit, delicate
Range
10 yr Flora Fauna
28 yr old ‘rare malts’
www.malts.com |
|
|
|
|
Aultmore
The Aultore distillery's runs four
stills and no longer does its own
floor malting. Powered by steam
until the late 1960’s this
distillery produces a dry floral and
oaky dram. Currently, this
distillery doesn’t produce any
single malt bottlings. Aultmore
draws is water from the
Auchinderran Burn. The majority of Aultmore’s production
goes into the popular Dewar’s
blends.
Gaelic Meaning: Big Burn
Established: 1896
Pronunciation: Ault More
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Location:
Keith, Banffshire, AB45 3JT
Style
Dry, oak, floral
Range
12 year old
www.dewars.com
|
|
Balmenach
Historians believe this distillery operated
illegally before it was licensed
1824, by its founder James McGregor.
Balmenach has had a unique history
and was mothballed from most of the
1990’s. Currently owned by Inver
House Distillers and this whisky may
be a powerhouse in the future. To
date Inver House has only produced
limited edition bottlings. Many
connoisseurs are hopeful that a wide
release will be available soon.
Established: 1824
Pronunciation:
bal Meh nack
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: By appointment only
Location: Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey,
Monayshire, PH26 3PF
Style
Full bodied, heathery, sherry
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Inverarity and Dearstalker)
INVERARITY ANCESTRAL 14 year old
is one of Jeff’s favorites, a sherry
powerhouse. The Macallan has nothing
on this one.
http://www.balmenachdistillery.com/
|
|
|
|
|
Balvenie
Located next to Glenfiddich, and
owned by the Grant family which
established both distilleries.
Balvenie was built next to the
Balvenie castle 1892. Not as widely
known as its sister Distillery
Glenfiddich but equally appreciated
by connoisseurs. The distillery
still uses some of its own malt from
barley produced on the Grant family
farms. Belvenie produces several
unique wood-finished whiskies that
have developed a large following.
Established: 1892
Pronunciation:
bal Vee nie
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 8
Tours: Open to the public (visitor
center opened in 2005)
Phone: 01340 820373
Location: Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55
4BB
Style
Offers unique wood finishes, medium
bodied and rich
Range
Double Wood 12 year old
Portwood 1991
Single Barrel 15 year old
New Wood
Portwood 21 year old
Balvenie Thirty
The Balvenie Cask 191
http://www.balvenie.com/
http://www.grantusa.com/
The Balvenie Whisky Journey November
2008
Watch Balvenies' Brand Ambassador
discuss the Balvenie range
 Balvenie
& Glenfiddich
Click Here to Watch
|
|
Banff
The distillery was built by James Simpson Jr. in
1863 to replace a distillery of the
same name from 1824.
Banff practiced triple distillation
before converting to the double
distillation method. Banff had a
rich and unique history, the
distillery was plagued fires, and
was damaged by a severe blaze in
1877. During World War 2 an
enemy plane bombed the site,
destroying warehouse number 12. The
Banffshire Journal reported that
thousands of gallons of whisky were
lost and it is said that Boyndie
burn ran with so much whisky that
farm animals became intoxicated. In
1933 the distillery came under the
ownership of SMD and was closed and
demolished in 1983. Banff can still
be readily had through independent
bottlings.
Established: 1863
Pronunciation: Banff
Region: Speyside
Tours: No longer in operation /
Silent Still
Phone: None
Location: No longer standing
Style
Light, grassy
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Signatory or cadenhead)
http://www.wmcadenhead.com/
|
|
|
|
|
Benrinnes
The Benrinnes distillery takes its name from the
Benrinnes
Mountain that dominates the skyline
in the area. The present distillery
was built in 1835 after the original
Benrinnes distillery washed away in
the 'great flood' of 1829. Benrinnes
practices a form of partial triple
distillation, which adds to this
whiskies creamy rich character. The
distillery's capacity was doubled in
1966 when three additional stills
were added. The first official
bottling of Benrinnes was launched
in 1991 when UDV released a 15 year
old 'Flora and Fauna' expression.
Went under major renovations in the
1950s and is currently owned by
Diageo.
Benrinnes draws its water from the
Scurran & Rowantree Burns.
Established: 1835
Pronunciation: Ben Rinnes
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the Public
Phone: 01340 872500
Location: Aberlour, Banffshire,
AB38 9WN
Style
Full bodied, assertive, smokey
Range
Only a few from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice)
BENRINNES 'Flora & Fauna'
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
http://www.malts.com
|
|
Benromach
This distillery just celebrated their hundred
year anniversary in 1998 and was
officially reopened by Prince
Charles. Whisky production started
at Benromach nine years after
construction in 1907 but the
distillery was quickly closed.
Production began again 1939 but was
closed again in 1983. Stability
finally arrived for Benromach, when
Gordon & McPhail bought the
distillery in 1992. The distillery
has since started producing its own
line and draws its water from the
Chapelton Springs.
Established: 1898
Pronunciation: Ben ro Mach
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 2
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01309 675968
Location: Invererne Road,
Forres, Moray, IV36 3EB
Style
Full bodied, malty
Range
Traditional
18 year old
21 Tokaji Finish
22 year old Port Finnish
25 year old
1980 Cask Strength
1968
http://www.benromach.com/
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/ob_gordonMacPhail.html
|
|
|
|
|
Benriach
Independent again after a long interesting past, Benriach
was built in 1898 by the founder of
the Longmorn Distillery and sat idle
from a considerable length of time.
In 2004, the distillery was bought
by a group headed by Billy Walker
who spent over 30 years in the
whisky industry. His son is the
Brand Ambassador and tours the world
promoting this unique ‘sleeping
giant’. Benriach has since come on
strong and introduced many new
expressions to the Benriach range
including a peated line that has
drawn rave reviews. The distillery
is located less than a mile away
from Longmorn, and three miles south
of
Elgin. Benriachs water supply comes from springs located
underground, below the distillery
and they still do floor malting. In
a few years, Benriach has the
potential to be mentioned in the
same breath as other Speyside heavy
weights like, Macallan, The
Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. Get your
hands on a bottle of the 16 year old
expressions and we promise you won’t
be disappointed.
Gaelic Meaning: Hill of the red deer
Established: 1898
Pronunciation: Ben Ree ack
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 783400
Location: Longmorn, Elgin,
Morayshire, IV30 3SJ
Style
Classic Speyside, malty, honey notes
Range
12 year old
16 year old
20 year old
The heart of Speyside
Curiositas (peated malt)
http://www.benriachdistillery.co.uk
|
|
Braeval (Braes
of Glenlivet)
Braeval, is one of the three distilleries in the
glen of the Livet, and was once
known as Braes of Glenlivet until
its name was changed in 1995. It has
no maltings on site but sports an
artificial pagoda roof that helps
the distillery blend into its
local surroundings. The distillery
is unusual in that it has no
warehouse or cask filling facilities
on site, the spirit is shipped to a
warehouse in Keith. One source
claims that Braeval is 1,100 feet
above sea level, which if true would
make it higher than Dalwhinnie, who
normally claims the title of highest
distillery in
Scotland.
Gaelic Meaning: Hillside
Established: 1973
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Location: Chapeltown, Ballindalloch,
Banffshire, AB37 9JS
Style
Light & sweet
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice)
www.chivas.com
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
|
|
|
|
|
Caperdonich
Caperdonich distillery was originally built in
1897 as Glen Grant No.2 to serve as
a back up to the mighty Glen Grant
Distillery. However following the
Pattison's crash the distillery soon
closed as the demand for whisky
disappeared. In 1965 the distillery
reopened as Caperdonich and was
later purchased by Seagrams in 1977.
Caperdonich and Glen Grant share the
same water source but the whiskies
are not similar. Caperdonich is
lighter and tends to be smokier then
Glen Grant.
Name Meaning: Secret Source
Pronunciation: Coper Donich
Established: 1897
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Location: Rothes, Morayshire,
AB38 7BN
Style
Medium bodied, slightly smokey,
dried apricots
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice or Duncan &
talyor)
www.chivas.com
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
www.dtcscotch.com
|
|
Cardhu
Cardhu was first licenced in 1824 by John
Cumming, the owner of Cardow farm.
The distillery was made famous by
John Cumming's daughter in-law,
Elizabeth,
who rebuilt the distillery in 1872.
This made her the first female
distiller in Scotland, and her
hospitality had a glowing
reputation. Diageo runs the
distillery currently and Cardhu has
become the spiritual home of Johnnie
Walker. The vatted/pure malt
controversy made Cardhu famous and
caused a huge labeling controversy
in the industry. Cardu draws its
water from
Mannoch Hill and Lyne Burn. A great dram for the beginner since Cardu is
on the lighter sweet side.
Name Meaning: Black Rock
Established: 1824
Pronunciation: Car Doo
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01340 872555
Location: Aberlour Banffshire, AB38
7RY
Style
Light and gentle
Range
12 year old
www.malts.com
|
|
|
|
|
Craigduff
Craigduff is an experimental peaty malt
distilled at Glen Keith.
|
|
Coleburn
A closed distillery that is typically only
available from independent bottlers.
The original distillery was founded
in 1897 and then sold in 1916 to the
Clynelish distillery. The Distillery
was closed in 1985, and its license
was cancelled in 1992 and it’s
unlikely that it will ever open
again.
Established: 1824
Pronunciation: Cole Burn
Region: Speyside
Tours: No longer in operation /
Silent still
Phone: None
Location: Longmorn by Elgin, Moray,
IV38 8GN
Style
Dry, fruity sweet
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice or Signatory)
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
|
|
|
|
|
Convalmore
Convalmore was established 1894 and rebuilt in
1910 due to a fire. A continuous
column still was installed at this
point, with the intention of using
this still for producing malt
whisky. This turned out to be a
failure and the still was not used
after the First World War.
Modernised in 1965, the distillery
operated until its closure 20 years
later. In 1992 William Grant & Sons,
who own the neighboring Glenfiddich
and Balvenie distilleries, bought
Convalmore to use as warehousing for
their maturing whisky stocks.
Established: 1894
Pronunciation: Con Vun Loor
Region: Speyside
Tours: No longer in operation /
Silent still
Phone: None
Location: Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55
4BD
Style
Fruity, malty
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Signatory)
|
|
Cragganmore
Cragganmore was built in 1869 and is situated to
take advantage of the Strathspey
railway line. John Smith the
distillery founder was a great
railway enthusiast. The water used
in the making of the whisky comes
from the Craggan burn and is
relatively hard. Cragganmore grew in
popularity when it was chosen to be
one of the six 'Classic Malts' in
1988 as the Speyside representative.
This was a huge compliment given all
of the Speyside distilleries owned
by Diageo (UDV at the time).
Craggenmore is a great dram for
individuals that are just
discovering Single Malts. The
Craggnamore line offers complex,
well rounded whiskies that represent
Speyside well. It’s refreshingly
original whisky that isn’t too hyped
up with special finishes and
bottlings.
Established: 1869
Pronunciation: Cragen More
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01479 8747000
Location: Ballindoch, Banffshire,
AB37 9AB
Style
Dry, light, well rounded
Range
12 year old
Distillers Addition
29 year old Rare Malt
www.malts.com
|
|
|
|
|
Craigellachie
Craigellachie was associated with White Horse
blend until the distillery was sold
to John Dewars and sons in 1998.
The distillery was built in 1891 and
draws its water supply from
Spring on Little Convall Hill. The distillery runs two spirit and two wash stills. The village
of Craigellachie over looks the
beautiful Thomas Telford's bridge
and is home to the world famous
Craigellachie Hotel. The hotel has
one of the largest single malt
selections in the world.
Craigellachie is becoming more
popular and was a well know brand
prior to World War I. Craigellachie
is close to the much more popular
Macallan. The distillery also
bottled a cask strength whisky for
the Craigellachie Hotel in 2003.
Craigellachie was available in
Diageo’s Flora Fauna line but now
has a new 14 year old out.
Gaelic Meaning: Rocky Hill
Established: 1891
Pronunciation: Craig ella ki
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 4
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01340 881212
Location:
Craigellachie, Banffshire, AB38 9ST
Style
Malty, Sweet, nuttiness
Range
14 year old
|
|
Dallas Dhu
Dallas Dhu was closed in 1983 but can still be
found in numerous independent
bottlings. Located on the outskirts
of Forres, the Dallas Dhu distillery
has been preserved in the form of a
Historic Scotland museum and it’s
unlikely that the distillery will
ever reopen. The distillery was
built in 1898 by Alexander Edward
under the name of Dallasmore.
Established: 1898
Pronunciation: Dallas Due
Region: Speyside
Tours: Opened as a museum in 1988
Phone: 01309 676548
Location: Forres, Morayshire, IV36
2RR
Style
Smooth, delicate, honey notes
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice, Signatory or
the Rare Malt Collection)
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
|
|
|
|
|
Dailuaine
A major contributor to the Dewar’s blends, but
don’t hold that against it (just
kidding). Daluaine is located close
to Ben Rinnes in Speyside and was
built 1865. The distillery was once
part of the Daluaine-Talisker
Distilleries Co Ltd. Daluaine
produces a great single malt
bottling under the Flora Fauna label
that’s worth seeking out. Big
sherry, balanced with light smoke. A
real winner!
Gaelic Meaning: The green vale
Established: 1865
Pronunciation: Dal yoo en
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01340 872500
Location:
Carron, Banffshire, AB38 7RE
Style
Rich, fills the mouth, sherry sweet,
light smoke
Range
16 year old Flora Fuana
www.malts.com
(owned by Diageo but not included on
the malts.com website) |
|
Drumguish
A new distillery that was opened in 1991 and its
too early to honestly judge how well
this dram will be. This distillery
is just finding its legs. Drumguish
also bottles under the Speyside
label.
Established: 1991
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 2
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01540 661060
Location:
Tromie Mills, Glentromie, Kingussie,
PH21 1HS
Style
Oily, lightly peated, grassy
Range
Drumguish (no age statement)
Speyside 10 year old
www.speysidedistillers.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Dufftown
Dufftown is one of six distilleries in Dufftown,
but the only one who can claim the
village’s name. Converted from a
mill 1895 Dufftown produces large
quantities of alcohol with the
majority of it going into blends. By
the 1920s the distillery had a large
following in the
US but prohibition hit Dufftown hard
and the distillery almost closed. In
1934 Arthur Bell and Sons bought the
distillery and it has been a major
contributor to the Bell’s blend ever
since. Bell’s is the largest selling
blend in the UK. Dufftown’s water
supply comes from Jock's Well which
is highly acclaimed. More than once
men from the near by Mortlach
distillery were caught trying to
divert the water supply.
Established: 1895
Pronunciation: Duff ton
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01340 822100
Location:
Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire, AB55
4BR
Style
Dry, malty
Range
15 year old Flora Fuana
www.malts.com
|
|
Glencraig
Glencraig isn’t an actual distillery but a
whisky that was produced at
Glenburgie distillery between 1958
and 1981. Existing bottlings may
become quite valuable since the
stills the spirit was made in no
longer exist. Glencraig was named
after Willie Craig the Ballantines
director of Highland Malt
Distilleries, making him one of very
few people to have a single malt
whisky named after them.
|
|
|
|
|
Glen Elgin
Glen Elgin was built in 1898 by William Simpson
and James Carle the former managers
of the Glenfarclas distillery. The
distillery was finished just before
the infamous Pattison crash which
saw a collapse in the new make
whisky market. The distillery was
sold in 1901 for less than a
fraction of the price it cost to
build. Glen Elgin is a major
contributor to the White Horse
blend. The distillery is currently
owned by Diageo and a Flora Fauna
bottling was released in 2001. Glen
Elgin 12 year old has a great
looking package and a wonderful nose
but leaves you flat on its body and
finish.
Established: 1895
Pronunciation: Glen Ell gin
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 860212
Location:
Elgin, Morayshire, IV30 3SL
Style
Citrus, honey notes
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
www.malts.com
|
|
Glenburgie
The
Glenburgie
distillery dates back too 1829 but a
distillery exisited on the current
site as far back as 1810 when it was
know as kilnflat. Two lomond stills
were added in 1958 but were removed
in 1981. These still were used to
produce Glencraig. Glenburgie is a
contributor to the Ballantine Blend.
Meaning of the Name: Taken from the
Burgie Castle
Established: 1829
Pronunciation: Glen Bar gee
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 850258
Location: Forres, Morayshire IV36
2QY
Style
Oily, fruity
Range
15 year old
|
|
|
|
|
Glenallachie
Glenallachie only dates back to 1967 but what it
lacks in history it makes up for in
its whisky. Glenallachie produces a
light delicate dram that few outside
of the whisky industry have
discovered. The distillery was sold
to Invergordon in 1985 but was
closed in 1987. The distillery was
reopened when
Campbell distillers who own the near
by Aberlour distillery bought in
1989. The distillery draws its water
from the Ben Rinnes Springs.
Glenallachie can be found through
independent bottlings, outside of a
not widely available twelve year old
expression.
Established: 1967
Pronunciation: Glen Ella Ki
Region: Speyside
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01340 871315
Location: Aberlour, Banffshire AB38
9LR
Style
Delicate and light
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordan and Macphail’s
Connoisseurs Choice)
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/op_brandsConnoisseurs.html
|
|
Glenfiddich
The great Glenfiddich distillery was founded in
1887, with equipment bought from
Cardhu. Glenfiddich is the largest
selling single malt whisky worldwide
and was mainly responsible for
introducing
America to single malt scotch.
Glenfiddich sells a third of all
malts world wide and was the first
to market whisky as ‘single malt’.
They’re unique in that everything
from distilling to bottling is done
in house. They even still use direct
fire to heat the 29 stills.
The stills are small so as capacity
grew new stills were added but not
enlarged to ensure the classic
Glenfiddich taste. The brands an
icon in the industry that’s still
family owned and thankfully still
makes whisky the old fashioned may.
Glenfiddich is a major part of the
new Monkey Shoulder vatted malt.
Monkey Shoulder is being marketed
as, dare we say, a mixer (scream!!!)
but the malt can defiantly stand on
its own feet with a splash of water
or just neat.
Gaelic Meaning: The valley of the
deer
Established: 1887
Pronunciation: Glen Fiddick
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 29
Tours: Open to the public (one of
the best distillery tours in
Scotland)
Phone: 01340 820373
Location: Dufftown, Banffshire AB55
4DH
Style
Oaky, classic
Range
12 year old Special Reserve
12 vear old Caoran Reserve
15 year Solera Reserve
18 year old Ancient Reserve
Gran Reserve
30 year old
www.glenfiddich.com
Watch Glenfiddich's Brand Ambassador
discuss the Glenfiddich range
Balvenie
& Glenfiddich
Click Here to Watch
|
|
|
|
|
Glen Keith
A fairly new distillery built in 1957 on the
bank of the River Isla opposite
Strathisla. The majority of Glen
Keith’s operation is automated that
began in 1980. There is no
warehousing at Glen Keith, the
spirit is matured at a main
warehousing facilities a few miles away. Glen Keith draws
it’s water from the Balloch Hill
spings.
Established: 1957
Pronunciation: Glen Keith
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 783042
Location: Keith, Banffshire AB55 3BU
Style
Fruity, Tart
Range
10 year old
|
|
Glendullan
Glendullan supplied malt whisky to Edward VII in
1902 and the distillery enjoyed a
good reputation in the early 1900s.
Built in Dufftown in 1897 the
distillery draws water from the
River Fiddich. The distillery was
rebuilt in 1960’s and an additional
distillery unit was built in the
70’s. The original unit was closed
in 1985 and the new unit runs 6
stills. There is some debate on what
unit produced the best dram.
Established: 1897
Pronunciation: Glen Dullan
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01340 820064
Location: Dufftown, Keith,
Banffshire AB55 4DJ
Style
Light, Fresh herbs
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
www.malts.com
|
|
|
|
|
Glenfarclas
One of Speysides greatest distilleries that’s
just starting to be discovered in
the
US. Glenfarclas is an independent
distillery that’s been owned by the
same family since 1860. John Grant
paid
£511.19s.0d for the distillery which
is now run by his Great Great Grand
Son John L.S. Grant. Glenfarclas is a favorite with connoisseurs and collectors and
produces big after dinner type
malts. The distillery operates 6
stills which are the largest in
Speyside and draws its water supply
from the Ben Rinnes. Glenfarclas
welcomes guests and has had a
visitor center since 1973.
Glenfarclas was recently named
Distiller of the year at the Icons
of Whisky Dinner in 2006. If you
haven’t yet discovered Glenfarclas
buy a bottle as soon as you can
(then send us a thank you note). The
seventeen year old expression can’t
be topped for its complexity and
price.
Gaelic Meaning: the valley of the
green grass
Established: 1836
Pronunciation: Glen Far clas
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 6
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01807 500245
Location: Ballindalloch, Banffshire,
AB37 9BD
Style
Malty, honey, sherry, a heavy weight
Range
12 year old
15 year old
17 year old
21 year old
25 year old
30 year old
105 Cask Strength
1968
Bayway liquors in Elizabeth, NJ
has a great selection of Glenfarclas.
November 2006
Tasting Journey
www.glenfarclas.co.uk
|
|
Glenrothes
Glenrothes is a major part of two of the world’s most
popular blends, The Famous Grouse
and Cutty Shark. Glenrothes makes up
the backbone of Cutty Shark.
Glenrothes produces a classic
Speyside malt that’s bottled in one
of the most unique labeling and
bottle designs in the industry. The
distillery bottles their malts based
on the year the spirit was distilled
and its current expressions date to
the early 1990s, although we prefer
the late 80s additions. They also
recently bottled a Select Reserve
‘no age statement’ addition that
comes off too young for our taste.
Established: 1878
Pronunciation: Glen rothes
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 10
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01340 872300
Location: Rothes, Morayshire, AB38
7AA
Style
Medium bodied, sweet
Range
1972
1973
1979
1984
1987
1989
1992
Select Reserve
www.glenrotheswhisky.com
 Ronnie
Cox
Director The Glenrothes
Watch
February 2008 Wee Dram of the Month
|
|
|
|
|
Glenlivet
One of the most successful whiskies
in the world and highly acclaimed
for its classic Speyside taste The
Glenlivet is in a class all its own.
The Glenlivet was the first
distillery to produce legal whisky
in the famous Glen Livet region.
Today it’s the only distiller that
can legally call itself The
Glenlivet. Along with Glenfiddich,
The Glenlivet was responsible to
reintroducing single malt whisky to
the US market in the 1970’s. Today
The Glenlivet 12 year old is the
best selling single malt in the US.
The distillery was expanded
significantly in 1859 and draws its
water from the River Livet. In our
opinion the 18 year old expression
is by far their best.
Meaning of name: Taken from the Glen
where the whisky is produced
Established: 1824 (legal production)
Pronunciation: Glen Liv it
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 8
Tours: Open to the public (includes
a small museum)
Phone: 01542 783220
Location: Ballindalloch, Banffshire
AB37 9DB
Style
Medium bodied, floral, sweet
Range
12 year old
15 year old French Oak
16 year old N'durra
18 year old
21 year old ‘The Archive’
www.glenlivet.com
Watch Glenlivet's Brand Ambassador
discuss the Glenlivet range.
 Glenlivet
Click Here to Watch
|
|
Glen Mhor
Glen Mohr was established in 1892 in partnership
with James Mackinlay of the
Leith blending house. Glen Mhor was
the first the first Scottish
distillery to convert from
traditional floor maltings to
mechanical maltings. The distillery
was closed in 1983 and demolished in
1986.
Gaelic Meaning: Great Glen
Established: 1892
Pronunciation: Glen Verw
Region: Speyside
# of stills: Silent still / no
longer in prodcution
Tours: No longer standing
Phone: None
Location: Inverness,
Inverness-shire, IV3 5LU
Style
Sweet
Range
Only available as an independent
bottling
|
|
|
|
|
Glen Moray
Glen Moray was established in 1897 in the town
of
Elgin. The building itself dates back to 1815 when a
brewery was on the site. Glen Moray
experiments extensively in wood
finishes and is even maturing whisky
in Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
casks. Glen Moray takes its water
from the River Lossie. The
distillery grounds were once home to
Elgin’s gallows and in 1962 during an excavation for
a new warehouse seven skulls were
found.
Established: 1897
Pronunciation: Glen Murray
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01343 542577
Location: Elgin, Moreyshire, IV30
1YE
Style
Floral
Range
12 year old
16 year old
20 year old
30 year old
www.glenmorey.com
|
|
Glendronach
The last coal fired still left in
Scotland but the distillery will
have to implement a new heating
source in 2006 do to new pollution
regulations. The distillery was
built in 1826 and maintained many of
its original character including
floor malting that contributes to
about a fifth of their requirements.
It is believed that an illicit
production was in place long before
1826. The distillery was close for a
time but was reopened in 2003 and
can be found in limited quantities
in the states. Glendronach is a
major component of the Teachers
blend. The single malt in their 12
year release has a great dry finish
that bites you when it’s almost
gone. The dram seems to grow on you
after each sip.
Gaelic Meaning: Valley of the
blackberries
Established: 1826
Pronunciation: Glen Dron ach
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01466 730202
Location: Forgue, Aberdeenshire,
AB54 6DA
Style
Fruity, malty
Range
12 year old
15 year old
18 year old
33 year old
www.theglendronach.com
(only offers information on their 33
year old expression)
|
|
|
|
|
Glen Spey
Glen Spey was founded in 1887 and rebuilt in
1970 when 2 additional still were
added. Located in the popular
distillery town of
Rothes the distillery is located by the Rothes castle.
The distillery is also said to be
haunted. Unfortunately, in World War
II a soldier stationed at the
distillery was electrocuted and
several individuals claim to have
seen his ghost. Glen Spey’s waster
comes from the Doonie burn. The
majority of Glen Spey is allocated
for blending and the malt is a
principle component of J & B and
Spey Royal. Diageo has include Glen
Spey in its Flora Fauna line
recently.
Established: 1887
Pronunciation: Glen Spey
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01340 882000
Location: Rothes, Aberlour,
Banffshire, AB38 7AU
Style
Sweet, malty
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
|
|
Glenglassaugh
The Glenglassaugh Distillery was founded in 1875
in the
village
of Portsoy. The distillery was
closed in 1986 and primarily
produced whisky for blenders. At one
time the whisky contributed to Cutty
Sark, Famous Grouse and Laing's.
Established: 1875
Pronunciation: Glen Spey
Region: Speyside
# of stills: Silent Still / Closed
Tours: Silent Still
Phone: none
Style
Fruity, malty
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordon and MacPhail)
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/ob_gordonMacPhail.html
|
|
Glenlossie
Glenlossie is not widely available as a single
malt since the majority of the
spirit goes into the Dimple and Haig
blends. The distillery was built in
1876 and draws its water from the
Bardon Burn. Glenlossie can be found
in limited availability through
Diageo’s Flora Fauna line as a 10
year old.
Established: 1876
Pronunciation: Glen Lossee
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 860331
Location: Elgin, Morayshire, IV30
3SS
Style
Sweet, spicy
Range
10 year old Flora Fauna
|
|
Glentauchers
The distillery was built on a field of the
Tauchers farm outside of the town of
Keith in 1898. One original owner
was James Buchanan of the Black and
White blend. The distillery and was
closed in 1985 but was quickly
reopened in 1989 when Allied
Distillers took over. Water is
drawn from the Rosarie Burn and Glen
Tauchers operates 6 stills.
Established: 1898
Meaning of Name: Taken from the
Tauchers Farm on which property the
distillery was built
Pronunciation: Glen Toshers
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 860272
Location: Keith Banffshire AB55 6YL
Style
Floral, fruity
Range
15 year old
|
|
|
|
|
Imperial
Imperial closed several times in its
history before it was finally
mothballed in 1998. Built in 1897
the distillery operated 2 stills
until it expanded to 4 in 1965.
Imperial is still available at a
reasonable price from many
independent bottlers.
Established: 1897
Pronunciation: Imperial
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Mothballed
Phone: 01340 810276
Location: Aberlour, Banffshire,
AB43 9QP
Style
Fruity, some smoke
Range
None from the distillery but
available in independent bottlings
(try Gordon and MacPhail or
Cadenhead)
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/ob_gordonMacPhail.html
http://www.wmcadenhead.com/
|
|
Inchgower
Inchgower is a component of the
Bell’s blend but is also very
impressive whisky as a single malt.
The distillery was rebuilt and
renamed in 1871. In 1936 the
distillery was sold to the Buckie
Town council for £1000 and later
sold to Arthur Bell and Sons. The
distillery dates back to 1822 when
it was known as Tochienal. In 1966
the distillery was expanded from 2
to 4 stills. The whisky can be found
in a Flora Fauna bottling if you can
find it. You may have to order it
directly from the UK and hope it
arrives.
Established: 1871
Pronunciation: Imperial
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 831161
Location: Buckie, Banffshire, AB56
2AB
Style
Sweet, malty
Range
14 year old Flora Fauna
|
|
|
|
|
Knockando
Knocknado is a big contributor to the J & B
blend and the distillery was built
in 1898. Knockando was first
exported as a single malt in 1977
and has seen a steady growth.
Knockando draws its water from the
Cardnach Spring. This spring is
widely regarded as an excellent
water supply and has a great
influence in the whiskies character.
Gaelic Meaning: Little black hill
Meaning of name: Taken from the town
of Knockando
Established: 1898
Pronunciation: Knock An do
Region: Speyside
# of stills: 4
Tours: By appointment
Phone: 01340 882000
Location: Knockando, Aberlour,
Banffshire, AB38 7RT
Style
Sweet, nutty
Range
1992 aged 12 years
1980 aged18 years
1977 Extra Old
21 years old (cask strength)
|
|
Knockdhu
Knockdhu, was built in 1894 and now
produces malts under the Ad Choc
names to avoid confusion with the
popular Knockando. Older versions
and independent bottlings are often
bottled under the Knockdhu name.
Gaelic Meaning: Black Hill
Established: 1894
Pronunciation: Knock Du
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 8
Tours: Not open to the public
Location: Knock, Aberdeenshire AB54
7LH
Style
Medium bodied and sweet
Range
Ad Cnoc 12 yr old
Ad Cnoc 1991 Unchillfiltered
http://www.knockdhu.com/
|
|
|
|
|
Linkwood
This distillery takes its name from the nearby
Linkwood house and the distillery
was built in 1821. Linkwood is a
beautiful distillery located on the
banks of River Lossie. Unfortunately
the distillery does not have a
visitor’s center and does not offer
tours. Linkwood has two separate
distilleries, an original one with 2
stills and a new one built in 1971
with 4 stills. The original
distillery was closed but was later
reopened in 1990.
Meaning of Name: Comes from the
nearby Linkwood house
Established: 1821
Pronunciation: Link Wood
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01343 862000
Location: Elgin, Morayshire, IV30
3RD
Style
Fruity, sweet
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
Linkwood 1983, Cask Strength
www.malts.com
|
|
Longmorn
Longmorn is widely available in the States and
much under apprieciated. An
impressive malt in the fruity style.
Longmorn was built right next to the
Benriach Distillery in 1894. The
distillery was expanded twice in
1972 and 1974 and currently operates
8 stills. Longmorn gets its name
from the
church
of St. Marnoch and one of its
warehouses sit on the site of an old
ancient Church. It’s amazing that
this whisky is not well know in the
US since its malty, sweet complexity
is very appealing. If your start
getting into single malts, it won’t
be long before you discover Longmorn.
Gaelic Meaning: (Lanmarnoch) Church
of St Marnoch
Established: 1894
Pronunciation: Long Morn
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 8
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 783042
Location: Elgin, Morayshire, IV30
3SJ
Style
Fruity, sweet
Range
12 year old
15 year old (widely available in the
US)
|
|
|
|
|
Macallan
The mighty Macallan is one of the most popular
single malts in
America
and the distillery enjoys an almost
fanatical following. Macallan makes
big sherry cask matured whisky that
are considered the standard in the
industry. Macallan also has more
expressions and special bottlings
and finishes than virtually any one
else. It’s a small distillery that
dates back to 1824 when it was know
as Elchies. Macallan uses Golden
Promise barley that is considered
the best but is also very expensive.
If you like big sherried whisky,
Macallan is for you. Macallan’s 1861
‘Replica’ expression is one of a
kind and a truly exceptional dram.
Whisky Journey
of the Month May 2007
Established: 1824
Pronunciation: ma Callan
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 14
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01340 872280
Location: Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38
9RX
Style
Big sherry, sweet
Range
10 year old
12 year old
15 year old
25 year old
18 year old (released by year)
30 year old
www.themacallan.com
|
|
Mannochmore
Mannochome is most famous for producing Loch Dhu,
a dark almost black single malt that
is no longer produced. The color
comes from charring the barrels so
it adds more color then true taste
that would only comes from 25 to 30
plus years of maturation. Loch Dhu
has become a collector’s item and we
were fortunate to acquire four
bottles recently. Mannochmore is a
fairly new distillery that opened in
1971 but quickly closed in 1985. The
distillery was then reopened and
produces whisky ever other year with
the staff from its sister distillery
Glenlossie. Each distillery operates
every other year and as a result
produces stocks from two
distilleries utilizing half the work
force. The majority of Mannochmore’s
production goes into the Haig and
Dimple blends.
Established: 1971
Pronunciation: man och more
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 86200
Location: Elgin,
Morayshire,
IV30 3SF
Style
Floral
Range
12 year old flora fauna
1974 Rare Malts
www.malts.com
|
|
|
|
|
Miltonduff
Miltonduff distillery was build in 1824 and is a
big part of the Ballantine blends.
At one time the distillery operate
two Lomond stills and produced a
heavy, oily whisky called Mosstowie.
These stills were removed in 1981
and replaced with traditional
stills. Mosstowie can be found in
independent bottlings and should be
very collectable in the future.
Established: 1824
Pronunciation:
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 547433
Location: Elgin, Morayshire, IV30
3TQ
Style
Sweet, nutty
Range
10 year old
15 year old
1968 (rare)
|
|
Mortlach
Built in 1823, Mortlach was the first of
Dufftown’s seven distilleries.
Mortlach is not widely known in the
US but the distillery produces one
of the best Speysides on the market.
The majority of production goes into
the Johnnie Walker Blends and
surprisingly the distillery does not
have an official bottling. The Flora
Fauna 16 year old bottling is one of
our favorites and one of the best
sherry matured whiskies on the
market. Mortlach is widely available
in independent bottlings but nothing
we’ve tried comes close to the Flora
Fauna expression. One has to wonder
just how they produce such a
consistently great dram when all of
their stills have different shapes
and sizes. Mortlach is worth seeking
out, you won’t be disappointed. If
Diageo even turned this one loose,
it would corner the market.
Established: 1823
Pronunciation: Mort Lack
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01340 822100
Location: Dufftown, Banffshire,
AB55 4AQ
Style
Sherry, spicy, malty
Range
16 year old Flora Fauna
1971 Rare Malts
Many independent bottlings are
available, try Binny’s Beverage
Depot
www.malts.com
|
|
|
|
|
Mosstowie
Miltonduff distillery was build in 1824 and is a
big part of the Ballantine blends.
At one time the distillery operate
two Lomond stills and produced a
heavy, oily whisky called Mosstowie.
These stills were removed in 1981
and replaced with traditional
stills. Mosstowie can be found in
independent bottlings and should be
very collectable in the future.
Established: 1824
Pronunciation:
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01343 547433
Location: Elgin, Morayshire, IV30
3TQ
Style
Sweet, nutty
Range
10 year old
15 year old
1968 (rare)
|
|
Pittyvaich
Pittyvaich was the sister distillery to the much
more popular Dufftown. Pittyvaich
was modeled after the Dufftown
distillery even down to the stills.
The two distilleries even shared
warehouse space. Pittyvaich had a
very short life span, it was opened
in 1975 and closed in 1993.
Established: 1975
Pronunciation: Pitty Vaith
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: Closed / Silent Still
Tours: Closed
Phone: None
Location: Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55
4BR
Style
Fruity, malty, sherry
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
Some independent bottlings exist
|
|
|
|
|
Speyburn
Speyburn was built in 1897 and is widely
available in the States. A sweet,
floral whisky that’s distilled in
ones of the most beautifully
situated distilleries in all of
Scotland. Not only is its location
impressive, the distillery itself is
also a beautiful site with its
pagoda and 3 story buildings.
Speyburn draws its water from the
Granty burn.
Established: 1897
Pronunciation: Spey Burn
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 2
Tours: By appointment only
Phone:
Location: Rothes, Aberlour, AB38 7AG
Style
Sweet, floral
Range
10 year old
21 year old
27 year old
www.inverhouse.com
|
|
Speyside
A new distillery that was opened in 1991 and its
too early to honestly judge how well
this dram will be. This distillery
is just finding its legs. Drumguish
also bottles under the Speyside
label.
Established: 1991
Region: Speyside
# of Stills: 2
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01540 661060
Location:
Tromie Mills, Glentromie, Kingussie,
PH21 1HS
Style
Oily, lightly peated, grassy
Range
Drumguish (no
age statement)
Speyside 10 year old
www.speysidedistillers.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Strathmill
Strathmill was converted from a mill to a
distillery in 1891. The distillery
was once know as Glenisla-Glenlivet
but later changed its name to
Strathmill. Strathmill is available
in the Flora Fauna line but
doesn’t have an official bottling.
The majority of the spirit goes into
the J&B Blend.
Established: 1891
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Strath Mill
# of Stills: 4
Tours: Not open to the public
Phone: 01542 885000
Location:
Keith, Banffshire, AB55 5DQ
Style
Light, Cirtus
Range
12 year old Flora Fauna
www.malts.com
|
|
Strathisla
Currently owned by Chivas, Strathisla dates its
history back to 1786. The distillery
was known as Milltown, before
changing its name to Strathisla. The
water source is the 'Fons Bulliens'
and has long been highly regarded.
Dominican monks used the same source
to produce beer in the 12th century.
The majority of Strathisla goes into
the Chivas blends. The Strathisla 12
year old is a good honest dram,
doesn’t have a complex nose but a
smooth whisky full of malty and
fruity flavors.
Established: 1786
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Strath Isla
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01542 783044
Location:
Keith, Banffshire, AB55 3BS
Style
Fruity, malty
Range
12 year old
www.chivas.com
|
|
|
|
|
Tamdhu
Located on the Spey and just up
river from Macallan, Tamdhu was
built in 1896. Tamdu is an important
part of the Famous Grouse and Alfred
Dunhill blends. The single malt does
sell well and is available in the
US. It’s the only distillery in the
Highlands to still have its own Saladin maltings which
replaced the floor maltings in 1951.
The distillery was expanded from two
to four stills in 1972, with an
extra two added in 1975 when the
unit was largely rebuilt.
Established: 1896
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Tam Doo
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Not to the public
Location:
Knockando, Morayshire, AB38 7RP
Style
Light, sweet
Range
Tamdhu no age statement
|
|
Tamnavulin
Tamnuvulin has had a fairly short
existence, founded in 1966 and
closed in 1996. There is hope that
the distillery will reopen one day.
The distillery was built in response
to the rising demand of malt whisky
for blending. Tamnavulin is a very
modern distillery except for its
visitor center which is located in
an old mill. Tamnavulin is a sweet
floral malt that hopefully will fire
up the still once more.
Gaelic Meaning: the mill on the hill
Established: 1996
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Tam na Voo lin
# of Stills: 6
Tours: Currently closed and not
prodcuing
Location:
Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9JA
Style
Floral
Range
12 year old
24 year old
28 year old
|
|
|
|
|
Tomatin
Tomatin is the only distillery to be solely
owned by a Japanese company (Takara
& Okura). Tomatin has the largest
capacity of any distiller in
Scotland and currently has 23 stills
but only operates 12. The distillery
was built in 1897
and the majority of the spirit goes
into blends including the companies
own Talisman blend.
Gaelic Meaning: hill of the bushes
Established: 1897
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Tam na Voo lin
# of Stills: 12
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 01808 511444
Location:
Tomatin, Invernessshire, IV13 7YT
Style
Malty, sweet
Range
12 year old
25 year old
www.tomatin.com
|
|
Tomintoul
Tomintoul (the gentle dram) is a fairly new and
modern distillery that was built in
1965. The majority of Tomintoul goes
into blends, most notably Whyte &
Mackay. Tomintoul also makes up the
majority of supermarket Speyside
single malts since it allows
business customers to create their
own blended or vatted malts. The
distillery now offers a full range
of single malts that are bottled
under the distillery name.
Meaning of name: Taken from the
Tomintoul Village
Established: 1965
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Tomin towel
# of Stills: 4
Tours: By appointment (no visitor’s
center)
Location:
Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9AQ
Style
Light, grassy
Range
10 year old
16 year old
27 year old
Whisky Guild's January 2008 Whisky
Journey of the Month
www.tomintouldistillery.co.uk
 Lorne
Mackillops
of MacKillop talks about Tomintoul
Watch
|
|
|
|
Tormore
Tormore is an unusual-looking distillery with an
ornamental pond and fountain in its
well-kept gardens. Tormore is a
modern distillery that built in 1958
and draws its water from the
Achvochkie burn. The distillery was
designed as a show piece by Sir
Albert Richardson. Tormore makes an
easy drinking sweet dram that
doesn’t have a great deal of depth.
Established: 1958
Region: Speyside
Pronunciation: Tor moor
# of Stills: 8
Tours: By appointment only
Phone: 01807 510244
Location:
Advie by Granton on Spey, Morayshire,
PH26 3LR
Style
Sweet, nutty
Range
12 year old
|
|
