The distillery in brief

Situated a mile inland from the village of Cromdale, Balmenach is one of Speyside’s most traditional distilleries and makes what could be classed as an ‘old-style’ whisky.

History

This is an old distillery. James MacGregor took out his licence in 1824 on what was a farm after a period of illicit production. According to Robert Bruce Lockhart , this took place soon after MacGregor had received a visit from a local gauger. When asked what a specific farm building contained, he said it was simply a peat shed. “Well, I suggest you take out a licence for it,” replied the gauger.

Bruce Lockhart was related to the MacGregors and his highly recommended book, Scotch , contains many fascinating details about old-style distillation as practised in Cromdale. The distillery eventually passed into the hands of Scotch Malt Distillers, DCL’s malt production arm, which expanded the plant to include a Saladin maltings. It was briefly mothballed between 1993 and 1997, when it was sold to current owner, Inver House, which also produces Caorunn Gin here.

Timeline

1824 James McGregor obtains a legal license for his previously illicit operation, Balmenach distillery
1922 The McGregor family sell the distillery to a consortium that becomes part of DCL in 1925
1962 Balmenach’s production capacity is boosted to include six stills
1964 The distillery’s floor maltings are replaced with a Saladin box
1993 Balmenach is mothballed as Scotch demand diminishes
1997 The distillery is bought by Inver House Distillers and production recommences a year later
2009 The distillery starts production of Celtic gin, Caorunn

Production facts

Stills: 6 (3 alembiki do destylacji zacieru, 3 alembiki do destylacji spirytusu)
Water Source: Wzgórza Cromdale
Washbacks: 8
Condenser Type: Wężownice (worm tubs)
Malt Specification: Słód nietorfowy
Capacity (mlpa): 2.6
Warehousing: Magazyny na terenie destylarni