Aberdeenshire is based in the North East of Scotland. But, while you're sitting here in our tasting room you probably already know that!
What you might not know, however is how important Aberdeenshire is in the grand scheme of whisky production. With around 60% of all the malt for Scotch whisky production grown in Aberdeenshire, and around 80% of the peat used in barley malting also comes from this small corner of the country.
The climate and soil in East Scotland, particularly Aberdeenshire, with its fertile fields and cool temperatures, are perfect for growing high-quality barley. This region is particularly renowned for its contribution to Scotch whisky production. In fact, around 80% of the world’s malt whisky is produced in Scotland, and much of that barley comes from the local farms. The long days in the summer allow for the barley to ripen fully, resulting in a rich, plump grain ideal for malting.
The peat from Aberdeenshire is generally described as being more earthy and less coastal than Islay peat, which is known for its briny, maritime character. Peat from Aberdeenshire might contribute a more subtle smokiness, with more vegetal, forest-floor, and heather-like qualities. This can produce a softer, more balanced peat flavour in whisky compared to the intense smokiness of Islay's peat. This is due to the content of vegetation within the peat, which has formed over the last 10,000 years.
We are lucky that not too far away lies 9 sensational distilleries, meaning that we are, in essence, our own small whisky producing region. Glen Garioch, Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Ardmore, Knockdhu, Fettercairn, Royal Lochnagar, Macduff and Burn O Bennie all produce whisky within our borders. While we may not have the fame of Speyside, we certainly have the quality.
Glen Garioch is the hidden gem of the North East and is, potentially the oldest distillery in the country. Officially dating back to 1797, it is already regarded amongst our oldest working distilleries. However, with proof of a distillery operating in Oldmeldrum dating back to 1750, there is a notion that they could be one and the same.
Glen Garioch is owned by Suntory Global Spirits, who also own Laphroaig, Ardmore, Auchentoshan and Bowmore. Up until the mid 1990's, Glen Garioch produced a lightly peated whisky, akin to Ardmore, however since being closed and reopened by Suntory, they have focussed on unpeated malt, focussing on creating a honeyed, orchard fruit forward whisky. The distillery re-introduced their working malt floors in 2022, as well as a direct-fired wash still as they looked at a £6million project to develop their new make spirit. We have to wait a couple of years yet to see the difference this makes, but the early signs are very promising. Why not visit the distillery, it's less than 10 minutes away!
The GlenDronach Distillery, founded in 1826 by James Allardice in the Highlands near Forgue in Aberdeenshire, is known for producing rich, sherried single malts. The distillery is famed for its use of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, imparting deep, fruity, and spiced flavors to its whisky. GlenDronach’s whiskies are characterized by rich, full-bodied profiles with notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spices.
The distillery employs traditional methods, including direct fire copper pot stills, which contribute to the richness of its whisky. It's certainly a king of sherry maturation under the guidance of Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie (who hails from Inverurie!) who has been blending Glendronach since 2017.
Glendronach are currently owned by Brown Forman - an American company who also hold Jack Daniels, Glenglassaugh and Benriach in their repertoire.
Glenglassaugh Distillery's history is a chequered one. It's a distillery that has been closed for more years than it's been open, partly due to its location, but more to do with its unique spirit. Having been passed from blender to blender for most of its history, the coastal, wild spirit was finally celebrated as a single malt in its own right under the guidance of Billy Walker.
It was its inability to stay hidden in a blend that caused some issues with blenders, it is a vibrant, loud dram that likes to be the star of the show and needs to be presented in its own bottle. Glenglassaugh was bought by Brown Forman in 2016 in a deal that also saw them acquire Glendronach and Benriach from Billy Walker.