Craigellachie Distillery

History of Craigellachie Distillery

Craigellachie Distillery was founded in 1891 in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region. The distillery was established by a group of whisky traders led by Alexander Edward of Aultmore fame and Peter Mackie, who was also associated with the creation of the White Horse blend. 

The distillery was strategically positioned near the confluence of the River Fiddich and the River Spey, an area renowned for its excellent water quality and ideal whisky-making conditions.

The Early 20th Century

Throughout the early 20th century, Craigellachie Distillery continued to grow in reputation and capacity. In 1916, Peter Mackie became the sole owner, further integrating the distillery into his whisky empire. During this period, Craigellachie’s whisky was primarily used in blends, contributing its robust and distinctive character to popular brands like White Horse and Dewar’s.

Ownership Changes and Modernization

In 1998, Bacardi acquired Craigellachie Distillery as part of its purchase of Dewar’s. Under Bacardi’s ownership, the distillery underwent significant modernization while retaining its traditional methods. 

This blend of old and new techniques has allowed Craigellachie to produce whisky that stays true to its roots while meeting contemporary standards of quality and consistency.

Types of Whisky 

Craigellachie Distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies known for their distinctive flavor profile, characterized by a robust, meaty quality and a hint of sulphur, thanks to the use of worm tub condensers. Some notable expressions include:

• Craigellachie 13 Year Old: Known for its rich, malty flavor with notes of apple, pear, and a hint of smoke.
• Craigellachie 17 Year Old: Offers a more mature, complex profile with layers of fruit, spice, and a subtle smokiness.
• Craigellachie 23 Year Old: A premium expression that boasts deep, rich flavors of dried fruit, toffee, and a well-rounded smokiness.
• Craigellachie 31 Year Old: An exceptionally rare and sought-after whisky with a complex bouquet of flavors, including tropical fruit, oak, and a lingering smoky finish.

Awards Won by Craigellachie Distillery

Craigellachie 31 Year Old: Named “World’s Best Single Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, this expression is celebrated for its complex flavors and exceptional quality​​.

Craigellachie 17 Year Old: This expression has been praised for its rich and fruity profile, receiving positive reviews and accolades for its balanced and complex character​.

Spirit of Speyside Festival: The distillery has received multiple recognitions at the Spirit of Speyside Festival, where its distinctive use of traditional techniques and unique flavor profile have been celebrated. 

Craigellachie Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Craigellachie Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Speyside region of Scotland, provides a rich and immersive tour experience that showcases its traditional whisky-making techniques. 

While the distillery is not generally open to the public for tours, it does open its doors during the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, offering a unique opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to explore this historic site.

Tour Details

1. Special Event Tours:
   • Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival: The main opportunity to tour Craigellachie Distillery comes during this renowned festival, held annually in late April to early May. During the festival, visitors can book exclusive tours that delve into the distillery’s history, production methods, and unique characteristics of its whisky.
2. Tour Content:
   • Historical Overview: The tour begins with an introduction to the distillery’s rich history, founded in 1891 by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward. Visitors learn about the distillery’s role in the creation of the White Horse blend and its continued prominence under Bacardi’s ownership since 1998​.
   • Production Process: Guests are guided through the various stages of whisky production, from malting and mashing to fermentation and distillation. A key highlight is the distillery’s use of traditional worm tub condensers, which impart a distinctive meaty and robust character to Craigellachie’s whisky.
   • Tasting Session: The tour typically concludes with a guided tasting session, where visitors can sample a selection of Craigellachie’s core range, including the 13-year-old, 17-year-old, and 23-year-old expressions. This allows guests to appreciate the complex flavors and aromas that define Craigellachie’s single malts.

Unique Features

• Worm Tub Condensers: One of the few distilleries still using worm tub condensers, Craigellachie’s method contributes to the whisky’s distinctive, muscular flavor profile. This old-fashioned technique is less efficient than modern condensers but is celebrated for the depth of flavor it produces​.
• Unchill-Filtered Whisky: Craigellachie does not chill-filter its whiskies, ensuring that they retain maximum flavor and mouthfeel. This decision highlights the distillery’s commitment to maintaining traditional production methods and offering a pure whisky experience​.

Flask & Barrel Review of Craigellachie Distillery

I recently had the chance to visit Craigellachie Distillery during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and it was an experience to remember! As a whiskey collector who’s toured countless distilleries, Craigellachie definitely stood out, earning a solid 4.7 out of 5 from me.

First off, the history of Craigellachie is fascinating. Founded in 1891, the distillery is steeped in tradition and has retained many of its original practices. Walking through the distillery, you can really feel the connection to its past. 

The use of worm tub condensers, for instance, is a rare sight nowadays and adds a unique character to their whisky.

The tour itself was fantastic. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, explaining every step of the whisky-making process with enthusiasm. From the malting and mashing to fermentation and distillation, we got to see it all. 

The highlight for me was the still house, with its impressive copper stills and traditional worm tubs. It was amazing to see these old techniques still in use today.

And then there was the tasting session. We got to sample their core range, including the 13-year-old, 17-year-old, and 23-year-old whiskies. Each one was distinct and full of character. The 17-year-old, in particular, stood out with its rich, fruity profile and smooth finish.

The tasting room itself was cozy and inviting, providing the perfect setting to enjoy these exceptional whiskies.

What To Do Nearby Craigellachie Distillery

Speyside Cooperage (0.5 miles): This cooperage offers a fascinating tour where you can watch skilled coopers at work, building and repairing whisky casks. The tour includes an audiovisual presentation and a chance to visit the gift shop and café​.

Craigellachie Bridge (0.3 miles): Built in 1814, this historic bridge spans the River Spey and is a popular spot for photography and scenic views. It’s a short walk from the village center and offers free parking and access to the river​.

The Macallan Distillery (2 miles): Located a short drive from Craigellachie, The Macallan Distillery offers comprehensive tours that cover its rich heritage and innovative whisky production techniques. The visitor center includes Elchies Brasserie and The Macallan Bar, perfect for a meal or a whisky tasting​​.

The Fiddichside Inn (0.4 miles): This charming riverside pub is known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive selection of single malts. It’s a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, offering a traditional Scottish pub experience​.

Ben Aigan (3 miles): For those who enjoy hiking, Ben Aigan offers a moderately challenging 5-mile hike with rewarding views of the Moray coastline. The trailhead is accessible from a carpark at the base of the hill​.

Aberlour Distillery (1.8 miles): Another nearby distillery, Aberlour offers informative tours and tastings, showcasing its range of single malts known for their rich, sherried character. It’s a short drive from Craigellachie and adds another dimension to the whisky trail experience​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Craigellachie Distillery?

The Copper Dog: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Victoria Street, The Craigellachie Speyside Hotel, Craigellachie AB38 9SR. For reservations, you can reach them at +44 1340 881204.

The Mansefield Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 10 Victoria St, Craigellachie, Aberlour AB38 9SR. For reservations, you can reach them at +441343540883.

The Quaich Cafe and Snack Bar: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2 Mayne Rd, Elgin IV30 1NY, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach them at +44 1343 820813.

What hotels are near Craigellachie Distillery?

The Highlander Inn: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 10 Victoria St, Craigellachie, Aberlour AB38 9SR. For reservations, you can reach them at +44 1340 881446.

The Mash Tun: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 8 Broomfield Square, Aberlour AB38 9QP. For reservations, you can reach them at +44 1340 881771.

Dowans Hotel: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Aberlour, Moray AB38 9LS. For reservations, you can reach them at +44 1340 871488.