Distilleries A-Z

Aberfeldy

Aberfeldy is an East Highland distillery in Perthshire that was officially opened for business in 1898. It was sold in 1998 to become John Dewar & Sons, under the ownership of Bacardi. Characteristics: Oily, fruity and vigorous.

Aberlour

Aberlour is a Speyside distillery located in Banffshire that was founded in 1826. Heavily influenced by its water source, the Ben Rinnes, it creates a naturally clean and soft water. Owned by Pernod Ricard. Characteristics: Soft texture, medium to full flavours.

Abhainn Dearg

Abhainn Dearg can be found on the Isle of Lewis and is the most westerly of all the Scottish distilleries. Established in 2008 it was only in 2011 that the distillery released their first single malt. Characteristics: Smoky, herby and spicy.

Alt a' Bhainne

Alt a' Bhainne is a Speyside distillery in Dufftown, Banffshire, that was originally opened in 1975 to supply single malt for Chivas Regal blends. Closed briefly in 2002, only to start reproducing again in 2005. Characteristics: Light and floral.

anCnoc

anCnoc is a Speyside single malt whisky that is produced at the Knockdhu distillery located in Knock, Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1894, this distillery's purpose was to supply for Haig's blends. Knockdhu, Gaelic for "Little Black Hill", was closed in 1983 but reopened in the early 1990's and has more recently been rebranding its whisky with the "anCnoc" labels. Characteristics: Creamy and fruity

Ardbeg

Ardbeg of Islay is renowned as one of the world's greatest distilleries, with records of the first distillations taking place way back in 1794. It closed in the early 1980's, yet was back up and running again by 1989 and was acquired by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. Characteristics: Peaty, salty, earthy and robust.

Arran

Located on the Isle of Arran, a favourite with walkers and bird-watchers, this distillery opened its doors as recently as 1995. Their first release was in 2008, making it the first Arran malt for over 150 years as the last legal distillery on the island closed down in 1836. Characteristics: Creamy and leafy.

Auchentoshan

This Lowland distillery, located at Kilpatrick Hills outside of Glasgow, was founded in 1823 and employs a unique triple distillation process. Auchentoshan literally translates as "corner of the field" in Gaelic. Characteristics: Light, herbal and oily.

Auchroisk

Auchroisk is a Speyside distillery in Mulben, Banffshire, which was established in 1974. For its opening operating years it referred to itself as "The Singleton", however, this name was dropped altogether in 2001. Characteristics: Soft with berry fruits.

Aultmore

The Aultmore distillery is based in the Speyside region of Keith, Banffshire, and was built in 1896. In 1998, Bacardi acquired Aultmore. Characteristics: Fresh, dry, spicy and herbal.

Balblair

The Highland Balblair distillery, located in Tain, Ross-shire, was founded in 1780 by John Ross and remains one of Scotland's oldest distilleries. Characteristics: Light, firm and dry.

Balmenach

Balmenach is a Speyside distillery based in Cromdale, Moray, and was established in 1824. And although closing a few times during the 20th Century, it was taken over by Inver House in 1997 and remains active to this day. Characteristics: Herbal and savoury.

Balvenie

The Balvenie distillery can be located in the Speyside region at Dufftown and was built long ago in 1892. Home to some excellent original brandy-style bottlings, which, since the early 1990's, have now discontinued. Characteristics: Honeyish, orangey and luxurious.

Banff

A Highland distillery in Inverboyndie, Banffshire, which was established in 1824. Closed in 1983, leaving a substantial amount of stock for independent bottlers to get their hands on. The grounds have since been demolished. Characteristics: Fragrant and sweet.

Ben Nevis

As its name would suggest, this Highland distillery is based at the foot of Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis. It was established in 1825 by "Long John" McDonald and was taken over by Japanese company Nikka in 1989. Characteristics: Fragrant, robust and with waxy fruits.

Ben Wyvis

The Ben Wyvis distillery was a northern Highland distillery that was built on the Invergordon grain distillery in 1965. Built for the purpose of providing whisky for blending purposes, this distillery was closed down in 1977. Characteristics: Big and earthy.

Benriach

The Benriach distillery is located in Longmorn, near Elgin, and was established in 1898 by the Grant family. This Speyside distillery has seen major transformations over the last 10 years. It was in 2002 the site was mothballed, only to be picked up by a South African consortium in 2004. Characteristics: Sweet with butterscotch notes.

Benrinnes

A Speyside distillery located in Aberlour, Banffshire, that was established in 1826. Although the mountain has two words, Ben Rinnes, this distillery is most certainly one. Had a long association with Crawford blends and didn't release its first malt whisky until 1991. Characteristics: Creamy and smoky.

Benromach

The Benromach distillery is based in the Speyside region of Forres, Morayshire and was established in 1898. Closed in 1983, but was purchased by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 and was officially reopened again, by HRH The Prince of Wales, in October 1998. Characteristics: Floral and creamy.

Bladnoch

The Lowland distillery, Bladnoch, is Scotland's most southerly distillery and was established in 1817 by Thomas McClelland. It is nearby to the famous Scottish book town, Wigtown. Characteristics: Grassy, lemony and soft.

Blair Athol

Located in Pitlochry, Perthshire in the East Highlands, the Blair Athol distillery has references as early as 1798 to its existence. Characteristics: Ginger cake and shortbread with spices and nuts.

Bowmore

This Islay distillery was founded in 1779 by John Simpson. Humbly known as the "capital" of Islay, Bowmore is based upon the shores of Lochindaal and sources its water from the river Laggan. Characteristics: Smoky and leafy with sea air.

Braeval

The Speyside distillery Braeval was built in 1973/74 by Chivas Bros. Originally named as Braes of Glenlivet, but later changed its name to avoid confusion with its sister distillery, Glenlivet. It was mothballed in 2002, though reopened again in 2008. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Brora

This Highland distillery in Brora, Sutherland, was originally named Clynelish. When demand for production grew a second distillery was built next door in 1969; the new one became Clynelish and the old one was named Brora. The Brora distillery eventually closed in 1983, whilst production has continued at the newer Clynelish site. Characteristics: Big, robust and spicy.

Bruichladdich

This Islay distillery Bruichladdich, pronounced "Brookladdie" and translating as "Shorebank" in Gaelic, was established in 1881. The distillery was mothballed in 1995, but was bought by a constituency of private individuals in 2000 to begin production again. Characteristics: Light to medium bodied, fruity and salty.

Bunnahabhain

Bunnahabhain, meaning "mouth of the river" in Gaelic, is an Islay distillery that was established in 1881. After having a number of struggles throughout the 20th Century, the new millennium seems to have brought a new lease of life to this small distillery. Characteristics: Sweet, nutty, salty and herbal.

Caol Ila

This North shore Islay distillery, pronounced "Cull-eela", was built by Hector Henderson in 1846. Caol Ila translates as the "sound of Islay" in Gaelic. Characteristics: Oily, olive-like with berry fruits.

Caperdonich

This Speyside distillery is a fascinating piece of history. Established in 1898, it closed its doors after just four years of production due to a money crisis. However, over 60 years later in 1965 the distillery was rebuilt and production once again commenced. Sadly, since 2002, the doors have now been shut again. Characteristics: Grainy, fruity and dry.

Cardhu

This Speyside distillery was originally founded in 1811 under the name Cardow, Gaelic for "Black Rock". The name was changed to Cardhu in 1981 as it was believed this alternative spelling better reflected the pronunciation. Characteristics: Easy drinking, smooth and delicate.

Clynelish

This Highland distillery in Brora, Sutherland, was founded in 1819. During the 1960's demand for production grew, so a second distillery was built next door in 1969; with Clynelish moving to the new one and the old one being adopted by a new malt, Brora. The Brora distillery closed in 1983, whilst production has continued at the newer Clynelish site. Characteristics: Seaweedy and spicy with mustard and oil.

Coleburn

Coleburn distillery is located in the Elgin region of Speyside and was built in 1897. The distillery was closed in 1985 and lost its licence in 1992, meaning a resurrection is highly unlikely. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Convalmore

This Speyside distillery was another casualty of the non-forgiving 1980's. Established in 1894, it was in 1985 that the doors closed, and Convalmore was no more. Characteristics: Malty, syrupy and fruity.

Cragganmore

This Speyside distillery, located in Ballindalloch, was founded by John Smith in 1869. Cragganmore is known to be one of the components of the Old Parr blends, it is also one of the smallest distilleries and has to work hard to keep up with demand. Characteristics: Dry, aromatic and complex.

Craigellachie

The Craigellachie distillery is based in Aberlour in the Speyside region. Founded in 1891, and after changing hands a number of times, it was brought under Bacardi's ownership in 1998. Characteristics: Sweet and malty, fruity and nutty.

Dailuaine

This Speyside distillery is located in Aberlour and was built by William McKenzie in 1852. Production was halted a number of times during the 20th Century, not least because of fires, both in 1917 and 1959. Characteristics: Malty, fruity and fragrant.

Dallas Dhu

The name of this Speyside distillery means "Black Water Valley". Established in 1899 and, although the distillery closed in 1983, is now a public visitor centre. There are currently no plans to reopen. Characteristics: Honeyish and silky.

Dalmore

The popular Speyside distillery, Dalmore, is located in Allness, Ross-shire and was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. The Dalmore 62 year old single malt is the most expensive whisky on record, a bottle was sold for £125,000 just last year. We will let you know if we, err, manage to get hold of one... Characteristics: Rich, orangey and flavoursome.

Dalwhinnie

This Highland distillery in Inverness-shire was founded in 1897 under its original name of Strathspey. Yet, within a year, the name was changed to Dalwhinnie and production commenced. Dalwhinnie is known for being a major component in Buchanan's blends. The distillery closed for extensive refurbishments in 1992, opening back up in 1995. Characteristics: Lightly peaty with heather honey.

Deanston

From what was originally a cotton mill, the Deanston distillery was established in 1965. Production began at the Highland distillery in 1966 and remained until a silent period of almost 10 years from 1982. Characteristics: Light, oily and nutty.

Dufftown

The Dufftown distillery in Keith, Banffshire, was founded in 1895. Pronounced "Duff-ton" (in case you're ever in the area), this malt is known to be a large component of Bell's blends. Characteristics: Aromatic, dry and malty.

Edradour

A Highland distillery in Pitlochry, Perthshire. Edradour is one of the last remaining farm, and smallest, distilleries in Scotland and was founded by a group of farmers from Edradour in 1825. Characteristics: Spicy, minty and creamy.

Fettercairn

Fettercairn distillery is located on the eastern Highlands at Laurencekirk and was founded in 1824 and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Previously known as Old Fettercairn, however, the owners decided to drop the "Old" in 2002. Characteristics: Lightly earthy and nutty.

Glen Albyn

A Highland distillery that was established by James Sutherland in 1846. Glen Albyn closed its doors in 1983 and the building was knocked down for a supermarket development in 1988, making the closure even harder to swallow. Characteristics: Light and dry, fruity and nutty.

Glen Elgin

Glen Elgin is a Speyside distillery that was built in 1898 by partners Simpson and Carle. Known to be a major component of White Horse blends, yet as a single malt doesn't have the critical acclaim or following that its fan base believe it deserves. Characteristics: Honeyish and orangey.

Glen Flagler

A Lowlands distillery in Moffat, Lanarkshire, the Glen Flagler distillery was built within the Moffat grain distillery site in 1965. Closing in 1985, this distillery had one of the shortest lifespans of any distillery in Scottish history. Glen Flagler is now produced as a vatted malt. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Glen Garioch

The Glen Garioch distillery in the Highlands region of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, was founded in 1797. And although suffering a few closures in the 20th Century, it has now been actively producing since 1997. Characteristics: Lightly peaty, floral and spicy.

Glen Grant

This Speyside distillery in Rothes, Morayshire, was established in 1840 by John Grant and quickly earned a reputation for quality whisky. The best selling whisky in Italy to this day, it was no surprise when Italian giants Campari snapped it up in 2006. Characteristics: Herbal with nuttiness.

Glen Keith

The Glen Keith distillery is situated in the Speyside town of Keith and was built in 1957 by Chivas Brothers. The distillery was mothballed in 2000, but the stills were fired up again in June 2013. Characteristics: Fruity and floral.

Glen Mhor

The Glen Mhor distillery is located at Inverness in the Speyside region. Founded by John Birnie and James McKinlay in 1892, unfortunately the distillery caved in to the tough times of the 1980's and closed its doors in 1983. Characteristics: Aromatic and sweet.

Glen Moray

The Speyside distillery Glen Moray, was established in 1897. Located in boggy Elgin land near the river Lossie, the whiskies produced here often have the critics raving, yet have managed to somehow avoid the glamour. Characteristics: Grassy with barley notes.

Glen Ord

This Highland distillery is based in Muir of Ord, which translates as "The Moor by the Hill", and was established in 1838 by Ord Distillery Company. Known to contribute to Johnnie Walker blends and has recently had a major refurbishment in 2010. Characteristics: Floral, spicy and malty.

Glen Scotia

One of a rare breed of Campbeltown distilleries, Glen Scotia was established in 1832 and is now owned by Loch Lomond Distillers, since they acquired it in 1996. If you're visiting, just be made aware that there have been reports of the ghost of a former owner, who drowned himself in the Campbeltown Loch, still residing there! Characteristics: Fresh, light and salty.

Glen Spey

The Glen Spey distillery is located in Aberlour, Speyside and was founded by James Stuart & Co. in the 1880's. Known to be a contributor to the J & B blends. Characteristics: Light, grassy and nutty.

Glenallachie

This Speyside distillery is located in Aberlour, Banffshire, and was built in 1967 by MacKinlay McPherson Ltd. Glenallachie was closed in 1987, but had a resurgence in 1989 when new owners, Campbell Distillers, came on board. Characteristics: Subtle and delicate.

Glenburgie

The Glenburgie distillery is located in Forres, Morayshire, and was established in 1810. This Speyside distillery mainly creates whiskies that are bound for Ballantine's blends, yet does offer up a few examples of single malt. Characteristics: Fruity, oily and herbal.

Glencadam

Glencadam is a Highland distillery in Brechin, Angus that was originally founded in 1825. After being briefly mothballed in 2000, production resumed once again in 2003 after being bought by Angus Dundee plc. Characteristics: Creamy and fruity with spice.

Glendronach

Glendronach distillery is situated in Forgue, Aberdeenshire. Before this Speyside distillery was founded in 1826, there were many tales of illicit distilling on site. More recently, production ceased briefly in 2000, but soon got under way again in 2002. Characteristics: Smooth, sweet and dry maltiness.

Glendullan

The Glendullan distillery is located in Dufftown, Banffshire, in Speyside and was established in 1897-98. In the early 1900's the distillery had the acclaim of supplying whisky to King Edward VII. The name is taken from river Dullan, on which this distillery town stands. Characteristics: Floral, dry, oily and spicy.

Glenesk

The Glenesk distillery, in Montrose, was established in 1897, under the then name of Highland Esk Distillery. The distillery has featured many name changes over the years, including the change to Hillside in 1964. It was renamed Glenesk once more in 1980, however, it was mothballed in 1985 and later had its licence cancelled in 1992. Characteristics: Fresh and dry.

Glenfarclas

Glenfarclas, translating as "Valley of the Green Grass" in Gaelic, has a history going way back to as early as 1836 and has been in the Grant family since 1865. The Glenfarclas distillery, located in Ballindalloch, is home to the largest stills in Speyside. Characteristics: Complex, malty and sherryish.

Glendfiddich

The Glenfiddich distillery of Dufftown in Speyside was founded and built by Wm Grant & Sons in 1886. It is a distillery steeped in character, it is still owned under the family name to this day and features the only Highland malt to be distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Glenglassaugh

Established in 1875, the Glenglassaugh distillery, of Speyside suffered many struggles during the 20th Century for contrasting reasons; thieves, neglect and extreme weather. Yet, we are currently in a new Century and things could be looking up, after 22 years in mothball the distillery was bought, rebuilt and reopened in 2008 by Dutch company, Scaent Group. Characteristics: Grassy and malty.

Glengoyne

The Glengoyne distillery, located at Dumgoyne in the Highlands region, was founded in 1833. The name was changed to Guin Guin in 1876 when the Lang Brothers took over. The name changed back to Glengoyne in 1908. Characteristics: Malty and light.

Glenkinchie

This Lowland distillery is situated in Pencaitland in East Lothian and was founded in 1837 by John and George Rate. Glenkinchie calls itself "The Edinburgh Malt", and is only around 15 miles from the capital. Characteristics: Floral, complex and dry.

Glenlivet

The Glenlivet, in the Speyside region of Ballindalloch, was founded by George Smith in 1824. The most famous whisky making Glen in Scotland, the legendary spirit of Glenlivet has always been highly sought after. So much so, that a lot of distilleries in the area wanted to carry the name of Glenlivet. However, only one distillery is permitted to call itself Glenlivet, and seen as though this was the first legal distillery, they got the rights. Characteristics: Floral and fruity.

Glenlochy

The Lochy is a river that flows through the Highland town of Fort William. Glenlochy was built in 1898, but after years of uncertainty during the 20th Century, the distillery finally closed its doors during the tough 1980's in 1983. Characteristics: Peaty, fruity and creamy.

Glenlossie

The Glenlossie distillery is based in Elgin, in the Speyside district, and was founded by John Duff & Co. in 1876. Highly respected throughout the industry, Glenlossie was once a contributing factor to the Haig's blends. Characteristics: Floral and clean, grassy and malty.

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie is without doubt the big hitter in Scotch whisky production, and to this day is still the biggest selling malt whisky in Scotland. Based in Tain in the Highlands, the Glenmorangie distillery was founded by the Matherson Brothers in 1843 and literally translates as "Glen of Tranquility" in Gaelic. Characteristics: Creamy and leafy.

Glenrothes

Glenrothes is a Highland distillery that is situated in Rothes, Morayshire, and was founded by W. Grant & Co. in 1878. In 1922 disaster struck as the distillery was destroyed by fire, but like a Phoenix from the flames, it has risen and proven to this day to be one of the largest Scotch whisky producers. Characteristics: Perfumy and sweet, spicy and fruity.

Glentauchers

The Glentauchers distillery is a Speyside distillery located in Mulben, Keith, that was established in 1898. The majority of the production here is to supply blends, as they have done with "Black & White" blends in the past. Characteristics: Dry, sweet and malty.

Glenturret

This Highland distillery, situated in Crieff, Perthshire, was founded in 1896, though some of the buildings on site date back to 1775. Glenturret has previously gone by the name "Hosh". It was closed for almost 40 years before reopening in 1959. Characteristics: Dry, floral and nutty.

Glenugie

Glenugie is a Highland distillery, in Peterhead, established in the 1830's. This distillery was closed in 1983 and subsequently dismantled. Bottlings can be found, but are increasingly harder and harder to come by. Characteristics: Floral and medicinal.

Glenury Royal

Glenury Royal was a Highland distillery, located just south of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland, that was established in 1825. The distillery was mothballed in 1985 and later had its licence cancelled and grounds sold to make way for a residential estate. Characteristics: Aromatic, spicy and fruity.

Highland Park

Highland Park distillery is based at Kirkwall, on the Isle of Orkney, and was founded way back in 1798 by David Robertson. Highland Park is the most northerly distillery in the world and its malts are considered a great all rounder. Interest in this famous distillery is ever increasing, and rightly so. Characteristics: smoky and full flavoured.

Imperial

The Imperial distillery is located on the river Carron, by Aberlour in Speyside, and was founded by Thomas MacKenzie in 1897. It was closed in 1985, but reopened again by Allied in 1989, only to be mothballed in 1998. Characteristics: Big, sweet and smoky.

Inchgower

Inchgower is a Speyside distillery located in the fishing town of Buckie, Banffshire, and was built in 1871. Seen to be more of a coastal malt, due to its surroundings, than a Speysider, this distillery provides largely for the Bell's blends. Characteristics: Dry and salty.

Invergordon

Invergordon is a grain distillery located in the North East Highlands. It was founded in 1961 and has since been taken over, in 1993, by Whyte & MacKay. Characteristics: Sweet and syrupy.

Jura

Often a favourite place to stop off for visitors of Islay, the Isle of Jura distillery is the only one on the tiny island of Jura and was established in 1810. Jura derives from the Norse word for deer, which outnumber the residents of the island, of which there are just over 200. Characteristics: Piney, oily and salty.

Kilchoman

Kilchoman is the newest addition to the army of Islay distilleries. Essentially a farm distillery, it was opened during the Islay festival in 2005 and released its first single malt in 2009 to high critical acclaim. Characteristics: Rich, sweet and peaty.

Kinclaith

Kinclaith was a Lowland distillery that was built within the Strathclyde distillery by Long John International in 1957. It was closed and dismantled in 1975 in favour of a new distillery development by Long John. Characteristics: Light and dry.

Knockando

Knockando is a Speyside distillery that was founded in 1898 and is located in the hills overlooking the river Spey, at a top spot for salmon fishing. Knockando is Gaelic for "Little Black Hill" and is also a major contributor to the J & B blends. Characteristics: Elegant with berry fruits.

Ladyburn

Ladyburn is a Lowland distillery that was built within the Girvan complex in 1966 by W. Grant & Sons. Principally built for use in Grant's blends, this distillery was mothballed in 1975. In the year 2000, Grant's bottled 3000 single cask Ladyburn's from stock that had been set aside. Characteristics: Light and dry with hints of fruit.

Lagavulin

The Lagavulin distillery was established in 1816 on the Isle of Islay. Lagavulin means "the hollow where the mill is" and is a distillery in such demand it is producing 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Major contributor to the White Horse blends. Characteristics: Dry, smoky and complex.

Laphroaig

Described, by themselves, as a love it or hate it malt (we prefer the former), Laphroaig was established on the Isle of Islay in 1815 by Alex and Donald Johnston. In 1847 Donald fell in to a partially made vat of whisky and subsequently died, the Johnston name still appears on the label. A Royal Warrant was awarded to the distillery in 1994. Characteristics: Smoky, peaty and medicinal.

Linkwood

This Speyside distillery, located in Elgin, Morayshire, was established in 1821. Linkwood is currently only used for production a couple of months of the year. Characteristics: Floral, fruity and rose-watery.

Littlemill

This Lowland distillery based in Bowling, Dunbartonshire, was established in 1772 and is one Scotland's oldest distilleries. Littlemill closed its doors in 1994, however, there are continuous murmurings of a revival. Characteristics: Soft and dry.

Loch Lomond

This Highland distillery is based at an industrial estate by the river Leven, linking Loch Lomond with the Clyde. Established in 1965/66, the Loch Lomond distillery has three sets of malts stills as well as a grain facility. Characteristics: Nutty and fruity.

Lochside

Lochside distillery, of Montrose in the Highlands, was converted from Deuchar's Brewery in 1957. Production was suspended in 1992 and the bonded warehouses were demolished in 1999. Characteristics: Dry and floral.

Longmorn

The Longmorn distillery, of Elgin in Speyside, was built in 1894, with the company founded in 1898. Taken over by Seagrams in 1977, this distillery has a disused water wheel and steam engine on site. Characteristics: Malty and complex.

Macallan

The Macallan is the heavyweight when it comes to Speyside malts. Located in Craigellachie it was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid. Macallan's are notably well sherried, due to the fact they are only ever matured in ex-sherry casks from Jerez, Spain. The Macallan is now recognised as one of, if not the finest, malt whiskies ever to grace Scotch whisky. They also happen to be extremely collectable. Characteristics: Sherried and oaky, floral and spicy.

Macduff

The Macduff distillery is located in the Speyside town of Banff and was built in 1962. The distillery is in an old fishing town at a point where the Glen of the Deveron reaches the sea, hence the reason why the whiskies from the Macduff distillery are now marketed as Glen Deveron. Characteristics: Malty and sweet.

Mannochmore

The Mannochmore distillery was built in 1971 in Elgin, Speyside. It was mothballed in 1985, but reopened again in 1989. Loch Dhu translates as the "Black Lake" and this is where the notorious Loch Dhu Black Whisky was produced. Characteristics: Fresh, floral and dry.

Millburn

Millburn distillery was a Highland distillery, located in Inverness, that was established in 1807, or so it is to be believed. The distillery was mothballed in the dark days of the mid-1980's and eventually demolished in 1988 for property development. Characteristics: Smoky and aromatic.

Miltonduff

Established in 1824, the Miltonduff distillery of Elgin, Speyside, was amongst one of the first officially licensed sites. The majority of production is used in Ballantine's blends, though Gordon & MacPhail bottle single malts on behalf of the distillery. Characteristics: Floral, firm and elegant.

Mortlach

Mortlach of Dufftown, Speyside, was established in 1823/24. An important contributor to Johnnie Walker blends as well as holding its own place alongside the great, classic Speyside malts. Had a complete rebuild in 1963. Characteristics: Elegant and floral.

North British

North British is a grain distillery that is located in Edinburgh. Founded in 1885, it is now one of the largest producers of Scotch grain whisky in Scotland. Characteristics: Sweet and spicy.

North Port

North Port was a Highland distillery located in Brechin. The distillery was founded by David Guthrie, a local farmer, in 1820. However, as with many distilleries, it met its match during the 1980's and was forced to close in 1983. A supermarket is now hosted on the site. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Oban

The Oban distillery is located on the western Highlands and was established by Stevensons in 1794. The distillery was founded before the town of Oban itself, therefore the town was built around the distillery. Characteristics: Medium bodied with sea air and peatiness.

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney is located in the coastal town of Wick in the northern Highlands, and was established by James Henderson in 1826. It closed for over 20 years in 1930 and was reopened and completely renovated in the 1950's. Characteristics: Fresh and salty.

Pittyvaich

Pittyvaich was a Dufftown distillery, Speyside, built by Arthur Bell & Sons in 1975. The distillery was mothballed in 1993 and completely demolished in 2003. Characteristics: Fruity, oily and spicy.

Port Ellen

If ever there was a collectable whisky to get your hands on, Port Ellen malts would be at the top of any list. Established on the Isle of Islay in 1825, this great distillery was mothballed in 1983, yet has been providing us with excellent Annual Releases and special bottlings over the last few decades. The big worry is that these stocks are diminishing and unfortunately can't last forever. Characteristics: Peppery, salty, smoky and herbal.

Rosebank

This Lowlands distillery was based in Falkirk and was founded in the 1840's. Rosebank, which offered a triple distillation process, was mothballed in 1993 and is seen as one of the Lowlands biggest losses. Characteristics: Aromatic and floral.

Royal Brackla

The Royal Brackla distillery, located in Nairn in the Highlands, was established by Captain William Fraser in 1812. It was the first distillery to be awarded a Royal Warrant, which was granted by King James IV. Characteristics: Fruity, dry and spicy.

Royal Lochnagar

This Highland distillery in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, was originally founded in 1826. In 1845 a second distillery was built, which is now the present site, as the original Lochnagar was closed down in 1860. During the 1980's, the distillery dropped the "Royal" from the name due to a dispute, where it is claimed Prince Philip suggested the distillery had polluted land on the Balmoral Estate, and it was branded as just "Lochnagar" until matters were resolved. Characteristics: Malty, spicy and fruity.

Speyburn

The Speyburn distillery in Aberlour, Speyside was established in 1897 by John Hopkins and Co. In the early 1990's the distillery was acquired by Inver House Distillers Ltd and continues to be a good seller for them, particularly on the American side of the pond. Characteristics: Floral, medium-bodied and sweet.

Springbank

The Springbank distillery in Campbeltown was established in 1828 and has been run by the J & A Mitchell family since 1837. There are three whiskies produced here, alongside the medium peated malt Springbanks, there are the heavily peated Longrow malts and the unpeated, triple distilled, Hazelburn's. Characteristics: Salty and oily with coconuts.

St. Magdalene

Lowland distillery in Linlithgow, that was possibly formed around 1765. St. Magdalene, sometimes referred to as Linlithgow, was mothballed in 1983 and has now been converted into residential apartments. Characteristics: Perfumy, smooth and grassy.

Strathisla

A Speyside distllery situated in Keith, Banffshire, that was established as Milltown distillery in 1786. It was in the 1870's that it was decided the name would change to Strathisla. A big contributor to Chivas Regal blends. Characteristics: Dry, fruity and oaky.

Strathmill

Strathmill distillery is located in Keith, Banffshire, and was built in 1891 and named Glenisla-Glenlivet. However, it was soon renamed as Strathmill in 1895. Large component to the J & B blends. Characteristics: Fruity, namely orangey.

Sullivans Cove

Sullivans Cove whisky is distilled at the Tasmania Distillery in Australia. Established in 1994 it has quickly earned itself a hugley reputable reputation amongst the worlds whisky lovers. Their whisky is distilled using only the freshest Tasmanian barley and rainforest water. Characteristics: Unique and full flavoured.

Talisker

The Isle of Skye legend, Talisker, was built in 1830 and is the only single malt distillery on the island. A malt that has distinctive, peppery flavours, making it an acquired, yet somewhat cultured taste. Volcanic is possibly a word to use for its description. Characteristics: Peppery, salty and seaweedy.

Tamdhu

Tamdhu is a Speyside distillery in Aberlour that was established in 1897. Although it has the big, bold shadow of Macallan neighbouring it, both of these malts contribute to the Famous Grouse blends, though Macallan has always had the better fortune when it comes to single malts. Tamdhu shares its name with a station, which ran up and down the valley. Characteristics: Mild and sweet.

Tamnavulin

Tamnavulin is a Speyside distillery located in Ballindalloch that was built in 1966. It had a short shelf life though, and was mothballed in 1996 - only to be resurrected again in 2007. Tamnavulin translates as "Mill on the Hill" in Gaelic. Characteristics: Herbal and aromatic.

Teaninich

Located in Alness, Ross-shire, this Highland distillery was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro. A close, and less recognised, neighbour of Glenmorangie and Dalmore, the Teaninich distillery was reopened in the early 1990's after almost a decade of non-production. Characteristics: Sweet, spicy and leafy.

Tobermory

Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull and was founded by John Sinclair in 1798. Suffered over the years from having countless owners, each with different ideas. Certain bottlings in the past from this distillery have been labelled Ledaig. Characteristics: Peaty, minty and sweet.

Tomatin

Tomatin stands by the upper reaches of the Findhorn in Speyside and was established in 1897. The largest malt distillery in Scotland, though Glenfiddich may have something to say about that. A shame that it is more renowned for being a filler for blended whiskies, than standing toe to toe with the single malt giants. Characteristics: Malty, rich and spicy.

Tomintoul

Tomintoul distillery is located in Ballindalloch in the Speyside region and was built in 1964. A haven for walkers and climbers, Tomintoul is Scotland's second highest village. A big contributor to Whyte & Mackay blends. Characteristics: Light, delicate and perfumy.

Tormore

The Tormore distillery stands amongst the Cromdale Hills, which overlook the Spey, and was built by Long John Distillers in 1958. The distillery has a striking architectural elegance, thanks to the designs of Sir Albert Richardson, President of the Royal Academy. Characteristics: Dry and fruity.

Tullibardine

This Highland distillery based in Blackford, Perthshire, was built by Delme Evans (who also designed Jura and Glenallachie) in 1949. Tullibardine was mothballed in 1995, but reopened again in 2003 under new ownership, sadly Delme Evans died just before the reopening. Characteristics: Fragrant and sweet.

Undisclosed Distilleries

There are a number of bottlings that don't carry the name of a distillery, often carrying the name of an independent bottler's label instead. It is thought that distilleries like to release some bottles like this, without using the name and therefore using a different marketing strategy. It is also believed that some independent bottlers reach agreements with distilleries to brand the whisky this way too. There is always a lot of guesswork with these undisclosed bottlings, some easier than others to identify.