1. Balvenie
A new chapter unfolds at The Balvenie as the renowned malt master, David Stewart, gracefully passes the torch to his accomplished protégé, Kelsey McKechnie. Commemorating this pivotal moment, the distillery has unveiled “A Revelation of Cask and Character,” a 19-year-old masterpiece meticulously crafted by McKechnie. This exclusive release takes its place within The Balvenie’s esteemed Stories Collection, showcasing McKechnie’s distinctive touch and expertise.
Venturing into the realm of ultra-luxury, The Balvenie presents a true gem – a 60-year-old single malt carefully chosen by McKechnie as a tribute to Stewart’s illustrious six-decade career at the distillery. Limited to a mere 71 bottles worldwide, this extraordinary expression stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and excellence cultivated at The Balvenie.
2. Dornoch
Pioneering a return to the time-honored techniques embraced by distillers of the early 20th century, Simon and Phil Thompson laid the foundation for Dornoch in 2017. Choosing the historic site of a 19th-century fire station within the grounds of Dornoch Castle, the founders embarked on a journey to revive the art of whisky craftsmanship. Recently, the brothers received approval to expand their enterprise, relocating to Dornoch South.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, the new facility is designed to be carbon neutral. A groundbreaking addition to the distillery’s green initiatives is the implementation of a ground-based solar farm, aiming to harness renewable energy and potentially power the entire operation. This forward-thinking approach underscores Dornoch’s dedication not only to the rich traditions of whisky-making but also to a more eco-conscious and environmentally responsible future.
3. Dunphail
Stepping into the realm of bygone production methods, Dunphail in Speyside emerged as the brainchild of Dariusz Plazewski, the owner of London-based Bimber Distillery. In October 2023, the distillery came to life, embracing a commitment to traditional techniques that echo the practices of yesteryear. Distinctive features include dedicated floor maltings and a kiln, a deliberate focus on extended fermentations, and the use of direct-fired stills instead of steam heating.
Dunphail’s approach encompasses the production of both peated and unpeated new make, with a predominant emphasis on maturation in refill casks. This deliberate choice reflects a dedication to the authentic flavors derived from the interaction between the spirit and the wood, ensuring that Dunphail stands as a testament to the timeless allure of traditional whisky craftsmanship in the heart of Speyside.
4. GlenAllachie
In 2017, a consortium led by Billy Walker acquired GlenAllachie from Pernod Ricard, transforming the distillery from a blending workhorse into a distinguished single malt brand. With an expansive core range, ventures into experimental wine cask finishes, an abundance of single cask releases, and the establishment of a dedicated peated whisky line, GlenAllachie has swiftly become a focal point for every enthusiast of Speyside whisky.