Glen Keith Distillery Logo

Glen Keith Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
Website
Phone Number
Address
  • 20 Station Road, Keith, United Kingdom, AB55 5BU

 

Traditional distillery building with visible copper stills.

History of Glen Keith Distillery

 

The Glen Keith Distillery, located in Speyside, was founded in 1957 by Chivas Brothers, now owned by Pernod Ricard. It represents a modern approach to whisky distillation, contrasting with the older Strathisla Distillery.

Originally built on a meal-mill site, the distillery was completed in 1960 with three stills, initially intended for triple distillation.

Evolution and Production Changes

By 1970, two more stills were added, and production shifted to double distillation, incorporating Scotland’s first gas-fired stills.

Glen Keith initially contributed to blends like Chivas Regal, Passport, and 100 Pipers, and was also used for production and processing experiments. In the 1990s, it released Glen Keith 1983, later replaced by a 10-year-old single malt, and produced two peated malts, Glenisla and Craigduff.

The distillery was mothballed in 1999 but underwent extensive reconstruction in 2012, reopening in June 2013. At its reopening, Chivas Brothers aimed for an annual production of six million liters of spirit, primarily for blended whiskies for export.

Glen Keith Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Glen Keith Distillery, known for its high-quality Speyside malt whisky, has a rich history and distinctive production process, but it does not offer tours to the public. Here’s an overview of what the distillery represents:

  • Location and History: Located in the village of Keith, on the banks of the Isla River, Glen Keith is opposite the Strathisla distillery. It has been a historic site since the 1950s, initially part of the Milltown/Milton distillery, and later developed into the Glen Keith Distillery​​​​​​.
  • Production Details: Glen Keith produces around 6 million liters of whisky annually, using six stills and a double distillation process. The water for their whisky comes from the Balloch Hill spring. Notably, Glen Keith also supplies malt to the Strathisla Distillery​​.
  • Innovations and Development: The distillery was an early adopter of gas heating for its stills and began using computer technology in its processes. It also experimented with automatic mashing in the 1980s. After a period of mothballing in 1999, the distillery underwent significant refurbishment and resumed production in 2013​​.
  • Public Access: Unfortunately, the Glen Keith Distillery is not open to the public for tours, limiting the ability for whisky enthusiasts to experience its operations firsthand​​.

What To Do Nearby Glen Keith Distillery

  • Strathisla Distillery: Experience the elegance and history of the oldest working distillery in Scotland. Don’t miss their signature Chivas Royal blend tasting.
  • Isla Bank Mills: Dive into the rich textile history of Keith at Isla Bank Mills. Explore the Keith Kilt and Textile Centre for a deeper understanding.
  • Auchidoun Castle: Explore the ruins of this 1400s castle. Although it’s currently undergoing restoration, it might be open for your visit.
  • Drummuir Castle: Located south of Keith, this castle offers a fairytale experience with its magnificent architecture and beautiful grounds.
  • Speyside Falconry: West of Keith, witness amazing birds of prey in action. It’s a unique and thrilling experience.
  • Keith and Dufftown Railway: Enjoy a journey through Scottish transport history on this heritage railway, offering delightful views of quaint villages.
  • Summit Meikle Balloch: If you’re up for a hike, the trails at Meikle Balloch offer stunning panoramic views of Speyside.
  • Gordon Castle Estate: Check out their magnificent walled garden and attend one of the many events, like the Highland Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Glen Keith Distillery?

  • The Bengal Spice Takeaway and Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441542888072. Their address is 94 Mid St, Keith AB55 5AE, United Kingdom.
  • Sunset Indian Takeaway: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441542888383. Their address is 142 Mid St, Keith AB55 5BJ, United Kingdom.
  • Sunrise Chinese takeway: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441542780398. Their address is 111 Mid St, Keith AB55 5AE, United Kingdom. 

What hotels are near Glen Keith Distillery?

  • Hillhead Hideaways: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +447955660973. Their address is Hillhead Hideaways Glen of, Newmill, Keith AB55 6XE, United Kingdom.
  • Fife Arms Hotel: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441542882351. Their address is 28-30 Regent St, Keith AB55 5DZ, United Kingdom.
  • The Grampian: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441542887342. Their address is 5 Regent Square, Keith AB55 5DX, United Kingdom.