Glen Ord distillery

A historic whisky distillery in Scotland

Glen Ord Distillery exterior

The Glen Ord Distillery is a renowned whisky distillery located in the Scottish Highlands, specifically in the village of Muir of Ord, near Inverness. Established in 1838, it is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and has a rich history of producing high-quality single malt whisky.

History

The Glen Ord Distillery was founded by Thomas Mackenzie of Ord, who was instrumental in the development of the local area. The distillery was established during a time when whisky production was becoming increasingly popular in Scotland, and it quickly gained a reputation for its distinctive Highland malt.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Glen Ord underwent several expansions and modernizations to increase its production capacity. The distillery was one of the few to continue operating during the Prohibition era in the United States, which significantly impacted the whisky industry.

Production Process

Glen Ord Distillery copper stills

Glen Ord Distillery uses traditional methods to produce its whisky, including the use of copper pot stills and wooden washbacks. The distillery sources its water from the nearby Loch nam Bonnach, which is known for its purity and mineral content, contributing to the unique flavor profile of Glen Ord whiskies.

The distillery produces both single malt and blended whiskies, with the single malt being marketed under the brand name "The Singleton of Glen Ord." The whisky is aged in a combination of American and European oak casks, which impart different flavors and characteristics to the final product.

Visitor Experience

Glen Ord Distillery offers guided tours to visitors, providing an insight into the whisky-making process and the history of the distillery. The tours include a visit to the production areas, the maturation warehouses, and a tasting session where visitors can sample some of the distillery's finest whiskies.

Significance

Glen Ord is one of the few remaining distilleries in the Highlands that still malts its own barley on site, a practice that has become increasingly rare in the whisky industry. This dedication to traditional methods is part of what makes Glen Ord's whiskies unique and highly sought after by connoisseurs around the world.

Related pages

• Whisky
• Scottish Highlands
• Single malt whisky
• Muir of Ord