GlenWyvis Distillery logo

GlenWyvis Distillery

Region
  • Dingwall, United Kingdom
Awards
  • GlenWyvis Distillery was named “Best Newcomer” at the Scottish Gin Awards 2019.
Website
  • https://glenwyvis.com/
Phone Number
  • +441349862005
Address
  • Upper Dochcarty, Dingwall IV15 9UF, United Kingdom

Modern distillery building in rural setting

History of GlenWyvis Distillery

The GlenWyvis Distillery carries the torch of Highland whisky production in Dingwall, Scotland, but its history is surprisingly young compared to some of its regional neighbors. Founded in 2015, GlenWyvis takes inspiration from the past while looking forward to the future with its commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement.

From Farmer to Founder: John Mckenzie’s Vision

John Mckenzie, a former army officer, helicopter pilot, and green energy advocate, dreamt of reviving whisky production in Dingwall after a nearly 90-year hiatus. While flying clients around Scotland, Mckenzie was struck by the rich history of whisky distilling and envisioned bringing that legacy back to his home.

Inspired by two previous distilleries in the area – Ben Wyvis and Glenskiach – Mckenzie named his venture GlenWyvis, a tribute to the region’s whisky making heritage.

Crowdfunded Success: Building a Community Distillery

Mckenzie’s vision for GlenWyvis extended beyond just producing whisky. He aimed to create a distillery that was owned and supported by the local community. In 2016, GlenWyvis launched a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign. In just 77 days, over 2,000 people, mostly from the surrounding area, invested nearly £2.6 million to make GlenWyvis a reality. Today, the distillery boasts over 3,000 shareholders and continues to operate as a community-owned enterprise.

Sustainability at its Core: A Distillery Built on Green Principles

From the very beginning, sustainability has been a cornerstone of GlenWyvis’ identity. The distillery itself is built on an uphill site a few miles from Dingwall, taking advantage of the natural elevation for gravity-fed water flow. More importantly, GlenWyvis is powered entirely by renewable energy sources including hydro, wind, solar, and biomass heating systems. This commitment to eco-friendly practices makes GlenWyvis a leader in sustainable whisky production.

Setting the Stage for the Future: What to Expect from GlenWyvis

As a young distillery, GlenWyvis has yet to release its own matured whisky. However, they have been busy producing new make spirit and filling casks for future bottling. While details on specific expressions are limited, GlenWyvis has hinted at producing single malt Scotch whisky that reflects the Highland region’s character.

With its focus on community, sustainability, and innovation, GlenWyvis Distillery is poised to make its mark on the world of Scotch whisky. As their whiskies mature, enthusiasts can eagerly await the chance to experience a taste of the future, built on the rich traditions of the past.

Awards Won by GlenWyvis Distillery

GlenWyvis Distillery was named “Best Newcomer” at the Scottish Gin Awards 2019. This recognition highlights their success and impact as a community-owned and environmentally sustainable distillery.

GlenWyvis Distillery Tour Information and Experience

GlenWyvis Distillery, located in Dingwall in the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique and educational tour experience despite not having traditional tours of their production facilities. Here’s what visitors can expect:

GlenWyvis Basecamp

The GlenWyvis Basecamp, located on Dingwall High Street, serves as a makeshift visitor center and community shop. Here, visitors can purchase the distillery’s gins and malt whisky, which are stored in custom bottles. The Basecamp also functions as a stamping location for passports from the NC500, a renowned touring route​.

Tour Highlights

  • Community-Owned and Sustainable: GlenWyvis is the UK’s first 100% community-owned distillery, powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including wind, hydro, solar, and biomass energy​.
  • GoodWill Gin: Visitors can learn about and purchase GlenWyvis’s flagship product, GoodWill Gin, which is made from nine botanicals, including locally picked hawthorn berries. They offer several variations, such as the Cask Matured Quercus Alba and Quercus Robur Gins.

Flask & Barrel Review of GlenWyvis Distillery

Visiting GlenWyvis Distillery was quite the experience. As a whiskey collector who has toured many distilleries, I found GlenWyvis to be unique in many ways. Here’s my take on it:

First off, the setting is beautiful. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the distillery has an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s hard not to be impressed by the scenic beauty as you approach the place. They really make the most of their location.

What stands out the most about GlenWyvis is their commitment to sustainability. The distillery is entirely powered by renewable energy – wind, hydro, solar, and biomass. It feels good knowing that the whiskey you’re enjoying comes from a place that cares about the environment. This aspect alone sets it apart from many other distilleries I’ve visited.

The GlenWyvis Basecamp on Dingwall High Street serves as their visitor center. It’s a cozy spot where you can learn about their history and community-driven approach. They don’t offer traditional tours of the production facilities, but the Basecamp experience is pretty cool. You can buy their GoodWill Gin and their malt whisky, both of which are excellent. I especially enjoyed the Cask Matured Quercus Alba Gin, which has lovely vanilla notes.

One thing to note is that GlenWyvis is a community-owned distillery. Over 3,000 people invested in making it happen, and you can feel that sense of community and pride when you visit. It’s more than just a distillery; it’s a project that brought a lot of people together.

Overall, I’d rate my experience at GlenWyvis a solid 4.7 out of 5. The only minor downside is the lack of a traditional tour, but the Basecamp experience and their unique story.

What To Do Nearby GlenWyvis Distillery

  • Black Isle: Embark on a scenic route across the Kessock Bridge to explore the Black Isle, a fertile peninsula known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, and wildlife spotting opportunities. The Black Isle is roughly a 22-mile drive from the distillery.

  • Cromarty Firth: Head a little further north of the Black Isle to discover the Cromarty Firth, a picturesque inlet on the North Sea coast. Explore the historic Cromarty harbor, go dolphin watching, or enjoy a boat tour on the calm waters. The Cromarty Firth is approximately 28 miles from GlenWyvis Distillery.

  • Victorian Walled Garden: Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Victorian Walled Garden at Foulis Castle. This meticulously restored garden boasts a diverse collection of plants, a charming tearoom, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Victorian Walled Garden is about 15 miles away from the distillery.

  • Glen Ord Distillery: If you haven’t had your fill of whisky, take a short trip (4 miles) to the Glen Ord Distillery, another prominent name in Highland whisky production. Tour their facilities, learn about the whisky making process, and enjoy a tasting of their single malts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near GlenWyvis Distillery?

  • Batty’s Baps ltd cafe: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Dingwall, IV15 9JX, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 864776.
  • Grill’d Bazaar: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 5 High St, Dingwall IV15 9HJ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 862266.
  • Pronto Pizza: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 28 High St, Dingwall IV15 9RU, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 863355.

What hotels are near GlenWyvis Distillery?

  • Cromarty View Guest House: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 30 Kinnairdie Brae, Dingwall IV15 9QY, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 864747.
  • Conon Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Conon Bridge, Dingwall IV7 8HD, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 861241.
  • Kylelachin: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 8 Newton Rd, Dingwall IV15 9LQ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1349 867403.