Dornoch Distillery

Dornoch Distillery

Region
  • Dornoch, United Kingdom
Awards
  • Scottish Gin Awards (2023) : Silver Medal for Thompson Brothers Organic Mediterranean Gin in the “Distilled Gin of the Year” category​​. Scottish Whisky Awards (2022) : Bronze Medal for their Blended Scotch in the Blended Scotch category.
Website
  • https://www.thompsonbrosdistillers.com/
Phone Number
  • +441862810637
Address
  • Station Square, Dornoch IV25 3PG, United Kingdom

Dornoch Distillery

History of Dornoch Distillery


Dornoch Distillery, located in the historic town of Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands, was founded in 2016 by brothers Simon and Philip Thompson. The Thompson brothers, passionate about preserving traditional methods of whisky production, converted a 19th-century firehouse into a boutique distillery, bringing new life to the old building and creating a unique distilling environment.

Early Development and Vision

The brothers’ vision for Dornoch Distillery was to produce high-quality, hand-crafted spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. They aimed to create whisky with a distinct character that reflects the rich history and terroir of the Highlands. To achieve this, they employed traditional techniques such as direct-fired stills and long fermentation periods, which are less common in modern distilling practices.

Types of Whisky Offered

Dornoch Distillery specializes in producing single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery offers a range of expressions, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Their whiskies include:

  • Organic Highland Single Malt: Made from organic barley, this whisky showcases the natural flavors and purity of the Highlands.
  • Cask Strength Editions: Bottled at natural cask strength, these whiskies offer a robust and intense flavor profile, appealing to connoisseurs who appreciate the full spectrum of the whisky’s character.
  • Limited Releases: Periodically, the distillery releases special editions that may feature unique cask finishes or experimental batches, providing a diverse range of flavors and experiences for whisky enthusiasts.

Distillation Process and Techniques

The distillation process at Dornoch Distillery is deeply rooted in traditional practices. The use of direct-fired stills allows for a more intense and complex distillation, contributing to the rich and nuanced flavors of their whisky. The long fermentation periods, often extending up to 90 hours, allow for the development of unique esters and congeners that add depth to the final product.

Dornoch Distillery stands as a testament to the Thompson brothers’ passion for whisky making and their commitment to traditional methods. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, the distillery continues to produce remarkable whiskies that capture the essence of the Scottish Highlands. 

Whether it’s their core range or limited releases, each bottle from Dornoch Distillery tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and dedication to the art of whisky making.

Awards Won by Dornoch Distillery

Scottish Gin Awards (2023) : Silver Medal for Thompson Brothers Organic Mediterranean Gin in the “Distilled Gin of the Year” category​​.

Scottish Whisky Awards (2022) : Bronze Medal for their Blended Scotch in the Blended Scotch category.

Dornoch Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Dornoch Distillery does not currently offer regular tours to the public. However, they welcome visitors strictly by appointment. When production is ongoing, the doors are open, and the facility is fully visible to those who have made prior arrangements​.

What To Do Nearby Dornoch Distillery

1. Dornoch Cathedral (0.2 miles)

A 13th-century church, Dornoch Cathedral is a stunning example of Scottish ecclesiastical architecture. It is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and peaceful ambiance, making it a must-visit landmark in the heart of Dornoch​.

2. Dornoch Beach (1 mile)

Dornoch Beach offers expansive, serene sandy shores perfect for a leisurely walk, family outing, or a quiet moment of reflection. Its gentle slope and clean sands make it ideal for fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline​​.

3. Historylinks Museum (0.4 miles)

This VisitScotland 5-star rated museum showcases the rich history of Dornoch and the surrounding area. The exhibits cover local heritage, from ancient times to the present, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past​​.

4. Royal Dornoch Golf Club (0.3 miles)

Ranked among the top golf courses in the world, Royal Dornoch Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular views of the North Sea. Designed by Old Tom Morris, it’s a dream destination for golf enthusiasts​​.

5. Glenmorangie Distillery (10 miles)

Just a short drive from Dornoch, Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain is famous for its smooth single malt whiskies. Visitors can tour the distillery to learn about its history and production processes, and enjoy a tasting session of their finest whiskies​​.

6. Balblair Distillery (18 miles)

Located against the picturesque backdrop of the Dornoch Firth, Balblair Distillery has been producing single malt Scotch whisky since 1790. The distillery offers personal tours and tastings, providing a journey through their historic and modern whisky-making techniques​.

7. Dalmore Distillery (23 miles)

Situated in Alness, Dalmore Distillery is renowned for its rich and complex whiskies. Visitors can explore the distillery, learn about its unique production methods, and sample some of their exquisite whiskies in the tasting room​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Dornoch Distillery?

Luigi’s Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1 Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SN, Scotland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1862 810893. 

The Courthouse Cafe: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Carnegie Courthouse, Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SD, Scotland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1862 811777. 

Greens Restaurant Dornoch: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Carnegie Courthouse, Castle St, Dornoch IV25 3SD, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441862811241. 

What hotels are near Dornoch Distillery?

Links House at Royal Dornoch: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Carnegie Courthouse, Castle St, Dornoch IV25 3SD, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1862 810279.

Dornoch Castle Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SD, Scotland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1862 810216. 

Royal Golf Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The First Tee, Grange Road, Dornoch IV25 3LG, Scotland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1862 810283.