All people has a cheerful place. A spot so particular that simply the considered being there lifts their spirits and makes them really feel happier than a pig in…mud. For me, I’ve a number of, and also you most likely gained’t be shocked to be taught that the majority of them are scattered throughout Scotland’s beautiful whisky areas.
In the event you’re a daily reader of the GreatDrams blogs, you’ll know simply how completely satisfied visiting a distillery makes me. Significantly, once I go to one, I really feel like Charlie from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit, simply with out that freeloading Grandpa Joe tagging alongside.
Through the years, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to distilleries all around the world, and if there’s one factor I’ve seen, it’s that no two distilleries are precisely alike. I’ve visited huge distilleries able to producing tens of millions of spirit each single yr, and I’ve visited smaller, unbiased distilleries that function on a a lot smaller scale. It’s these smaller, extra wee Scottish delights that I wish to chat to you about in the present day.
Right here’s a fast have a look at a few of Scotland’s smallest whisky distilleries, and the distinctive drams they produce.
Even supposing there at the moment are a number of newer youngsters on the block contending for the title of ‘Scotland’s Smallest Distillery’ Edradour might be probably the most recognised. It’s definitely one of many oldest.
Edradour, which as of this writing is unfortunately quickly closed to the general public, was based in 1825. This distillery, which is now two centuries outdated, will get its title from Eadar Dhà Dhobhar (Scottish Gaelic for ‘between two rivers). It was initially a part of a consortium of farmers and is at present underneath possession of the Signatory Classic Scotch Whisky Firm.
This quaint little distillery is situated in Pitlochry, tucked away neatly throughout the breathtaking Perthshire hills on the foot of the Cairngorms. Regardless of its small dimension, the distillery nonetheless has an annual capability of 95,000 litres of spirit, which is sort of sufficient to see me by means of the yr (Don’t fear, I’m after all joking. 90,000 litres every year is greater than sufficient for me).
As soon as it re-opens, should you’re ever within the area, you need to go to this distillery because it’s an actual throwback and is stuffed with rustic, old-timey appeal. They produce greater than 25 expressions of whisky utilizing among the last-remaining gear in Scotland.
As we’re within the run as much as Christmas, I at all times consider Edradour as their drams are packed stuffed with Christmas flavours, notes, and aromas. Their 10 12 months Outdated Distillery Expression is very fashionable over the vacation season due to its heavy sherry, almond, and Christmas cake notes.
From a distillery greater than two centuries outdated, to at least one a bit of older than one decade, we’re subsequent heading to Perth and Kinross, to the village of Metheven to be taught extra about Strathearn Distillery.
For a few years, Edradour was broadly recognised because the smallest distillery in Scotland. In 2013, when Strathearn Distillery was based, Edradour misplaced its title.
This Highland distillery is now thought of the smallest in Scotland, that includes simply 1 wash nonetheless and 1 spirit nonetheless. It was bought in 2022 by Douglas Laing & Co, who really doubled the distillery’s whisky manufacturing capability. What’s particularly attention-grabbing about Strathearn, to me a minimum of, is the truth that their whisky ferments for such a very long time, averaging 144 hours.
Strathearn’s dimension and distinctive manufacturing strategies have really grow to be considerably of a USP (Distinctive Promoting Level) for them, as they state that they prioritise style and flavour over alcohol yield. In addition they use a singular grain of malt often called Maris Otter, which helps give the whisky nice physique, a creamy mouthfeel, and amplified malt notes.
Subsequent up, we have now the oldest distillery on my listing in the present day, Oban, which was based all the way in which again in 1794. This makes it not solely one in every of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, but in addition one of many oldest. How cool is that?
The distillery is discovered on Scotland’s west coast, on the historic port of Oban the place the Scottish Highlands be a part of the Islands. It was really constructed earlier than the city of the identical title was even constructed. Established by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson, it’s at present owned by drinks giants Diageo and regardless of its small dimension, additionally includes a charming customer centre.
This coastal distillery has a max capability of 670,000 litres of spirit every year, and has simply 2 stills. The whisky produced right here is sort of a hybrid mix of sweeter Highland malts, coupled with the brinier, peated, smokier drams you’d discover on the Islands. That is particularly evident of their multi award-winning Oban 14 yr outdated West Highland Malt.
And eventually, final, however not at all least, we’re sticking with Scotland’s west coast and are travelling to Morvern/Morven to the Nc’Nean Distillery.
I’ve a smooth spot for this distillery, regardless of it being the youngest on my listing in the present day, as a result of they emphasise sustainability up there. This B-Corp licensed distillery utilises renewable vitality, offsets their carbon emissions by way of forest planting, and makes use of recycled glass bottles to supply distinctive natural, sustainable whisky. As , we’re all about recycling right here at GreatDrams which is why, except said in any other case, we use recycled packaging which will have been used earlier than.
Nc’Nean (pronounced Nc-Knee-Anne) was based in 2017 by Annabel Thomas. It has simply two copper pot stills that are powered by 100% renewable vitality. The distillery was additionally the very first within the UK to achieve internet zero Carbon emissions for scopes 1 and a pair of throughout their whisky manufacturing course of.
The barley they use of their whisky manufacturing is 100% natural Scottish barley grown regionally. In addition they prefer to experiment with fermentation instances, and strains of yeasts as a part of their ‘experimental season’. Right here, they use uncommon strains of yeast similar to winemaker’s yeast, conventional distiller’s yeast, and even strains used to make rum to supply some extraordinarily distinctive and fruity flavours. In addition they have among the most beautiful packaging I’ve ever seen.
Preserve your eyes on Nc’Nean, as a result of regardless of their small dimension, they’re actually making waves on the planet of whisky.
In the event you’d prefer to be taught extra about your favorite whiskies, or just deal with your self to a dram or two within the course of, head on over to GreatDrams.com and try the varied number of distinctive whiskies we at present have in inventory.
With a powerful number of limited-edition, uncommon, and award-winning whisky, in addition to heaps of whisky data on our weblog, it’s the right spot for any whisky lovers on the market.
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