Glen Ord

Glen Ord Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
  • International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1994, International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1996, International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1998
Website
  • https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/the-singleton-of-glen-ord
Phone Number
  • +441463872004
Address
  • A832, Muir of Ord IV6 7UJ, United Kingdom

Historic Singleton distillery entrance with welcome sign.

History of The Glen Ord Distillery

 

The Glen Ord Distillery, founded in 1838, is located in the Scottish Highlands on the Black Isle. It’s the only remaining single malt scotch whisky distillery in this region.

The distillery was established by Thomas MacKenzie of Ord, who inherited the land in 1820 and decided to lease it for building a distillery. This move provided year-round employment for local men and utilized the barley grown on MacKenzie’s land.

Initial Operations and Expansion

The distillery’s early operation was under the name of the Ord Distillery Company, founded by Robert Johnstone and Donald MacLennan.

Despite facing bankruptcy in 1847, the distillery continued its operations, receiving a new license in 1855 under Alexander McLennan and Thomas McGregor.

By 1870, Glen Ord’s whisky was sold throughout the British Colonies, including Singapore and South Africa.

Ownership Changes and World War Impact

Ownership of the distillery changed hands several times. In 1896, it was sold to James Watson & Son, and later, during World War I, it closed to preserve barley for food supplies.

Post-war, it was sold to Thomas Dewars & Sons and then to Scottish Malt Distillers in 1930. The distillery underwent significant upgrades, including the installation of electrical wiring in 1949 and expansion of production facilities in 1966.

Modern Operations and Environment Initiatives

Today, Glen Ord continues to produce whisky for Diageo, including in Johnnie Walker blends and Diageo’s Singleton series. The distillery offers public tours and has expanded its capacities with new buildings and stills in 2014.

Glen Ord’s whiskies, such as the 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts, are matured in American White Oak and Ex-Bourbon Casks, as well as Oloroso Sherry Casks.

The distillery also implemented Biobed Modular Plant technology in 2001 for wastewater treatment, being the first in the UK to adopt this technology.

Awards Won by The Glen Ord Distillery

  • International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1994: Awarded for the best single malt.
  • International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1996: Another recognition for the best single malt.
  • Monde Selection 1996: Glen Ord whisky received an award.
  • Monde Selection 1997: Continued success with another award for their whisky.
  • International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 1998: Glen Ord won the gold medal for the best single malt aged less than 15 years.

The Glen Ord Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Glen Ord Distillery, home of The Singleton, offers a unique and immersive experience for whisky enthusiasts.

Located in the heart of the Black Isle, near Inverness, the distillery provides a range of tours and tastings, showcasing the art of whisky-making and the brand’s signature ‘Slow Craft’ process.

Tour Options at The Singleton Distillery

  • The Singleton Distillery Tour: This full tour focuses on the whisky-making process and includes tasting of three unique Singleton expressions paired with a macaron.
  • The Singleton Pairing Experience: An immersive whisky and food pairing experience highlighting the deliciousness of The Singleton.
  • The Malt to Cask Experience: Ideal for whisky aficionados, this tour includes a visit to the Maltings, a deeper dive into production, a cask draw, and a private tasting room experience.
  • Taste The Singleton: A 40-minute guided tasting of three Singleton drams, perfect for an introduction to the brand’s whiskies.
  • The Singleton Sessions: A blend of music and whisky, featuring local bands and artists, with seasonal cocktails, drams, and locally-sourced snacks available for purchase.

The Singleton Bar & Deli

At the heart of the distillery is The Singleton Bar & Deli, offering a social space to enjoy whisky in various forms. The bar’s deli showcases Scotland’s finest local produce, with a range of food platters and treats.

Shopping Experience

The retail area at The Singleton is stocked with whisky rarities and curiosities, including the opportunity for visitors to bottle their own whisky as a unique memento.

Private Client Experiences

For those seeking a more private setting, The Singleton offers a private tasting room and caters to individual preferences.

Visiting Information:

  • Address: The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, IV6 7UJ, UK.
  • Contact: Phone: 01463 872004, Email: Glen.Ord@malts.com.
  • Opening Hours: Vary seasonally, with special hours during Christmas.
  • Accessibility: The distillery is committed to providing disabled access and encourages visitors to inform them of any specific requirements at the time of booking.

Advanced booking for tours and experiences is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The distillery also has a policy for visitors planning to bring their dogs.

The Glen Ord Distillery offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, combining the rich heritage of whisky making with modern and engaging visitor experiences.

Flask & Barrel Review of The Glen Ord Distillery

As a whiskey collector who’s been around more distillery tours than I can count, I’ve got to say, The Glen Ord Distillery really hits the mark.

It’s a solid 4.7 out of 5 for me. The place has this authentic vibe that’s hard to find these days.

The whiskies? Top-notch. Their award-winning malts, especially the ones bagging gold at the IWSC, are a testament to their craft. The staff knows their stuff, answering every quirky question I threw at them.

The tour itself was informative, yet laid-back, giving me a real feel for their process and passion. If I had to nitpick, maybe a bit more on the interactive side of things could spice it up.

But hey, for the sheer quality of the dram and the warmth of the experience, Glen Ord is pretty much whisky nirvana.

What To Do Nearby The Glen Ord Distillery

  • Muir of Ord Golf Club: Located 1.41 km away, this club offers a comprehensive golfing experience along with a spa facility. It’s open from 9:00 to 17:00​​.
  • The Singleton Distillery: Just 18 meters from Glen Ord, this distillery provides a different perspective on whisky making. It operates from 10:00 to 17:00​​.
  • Tollie Red Kites: A unique attraction 5.6 km away, it offers a chance to observe red kites in their natural habitat. Open from 13:00 to 16:00​​.
  • Highland Diving: Situated 6.33 km away, it offers water activities including scuba diving and snorkeling​​.
  • Fairburn Activity Centre: This sports complex is another nearby option for physical activities and sports​​.
  • The Potter’s House: Located in the vicinity, it’s a great place for creative pottery and art workshops​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near The Glen Ord Distillery?

  • Oliveira’s Kitchen: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Great N Rd, Muir of Ord IV6 7SX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +447934570303. 
  • Shimla: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3 High St, Beauly IV4 7BY, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441463782221. 
  • Jaki Fish and Chip Shop Muir of Ord: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Unit 2 Seaforth Rd, Muir of Ord IV6 7TA, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441463870123.

What hotels are near The Glen Ord Distillery?

  • Ord Arms Hotel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Great N Rd, Muir of Ord IV6 7XR, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441463870286. 
  • The Priory Hotel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Square, Beauly IV4 7BX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441463782309. 
  • Old North Inn Hotel, Inverness: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Inchmore, Inverness IV5 7PX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441463210212.