Auchroisk Distillery

Auchroisk Distillery, founded in 1972, owes its existence to a lucky chance of geography in the Speyside region. The natural water source Dorie’s Well had been discovered there by accident not long before. This led to the decision to build a distillery nearby to take advantage of the natural soft water source prized in whisky production.

Justerini & Brooks, part of the International Distillers & Vinters group, commissioned the distillery and work began early in 1972. But Auchroisk had a turbulent business history before it even got down to producing whisky.

Within just two months IDV had been bought out by Watney Mann. That name might not be familiar now, but at the time it was the second largest brewing company in the world after Guinness. Fast forward just a bit to July of 1972 and Watney Mann was the taken over by Grand Metropolitan. Luckily this upheaval didn’t disturb work and Auchroisk began whisky production in 1974. Ownership of the distillery has remained mostly stable since then. In 1997 Grand Metropolitan merged with Guinness to form Diageo which still owns the distillery today.

That constant changing of the guard ultimately worked out for the best for single malt fans. Justerini & Brooks had mainly intended Auchroisk to produce malt for their blend. However Master Blender Jim Milne gave it his approval as a single malt whisky. Today Auchroisk operates eight lamp-glass shaped stills and eight stainless steel washbacks. The distillery produces 5.8 million litres a year for both its own single malts along with J&B blended scotch whisky.

For 15 years whisky aficionados who enjoyed the smooth character of Auchroisk single malt may not have even known that’s what they were drinking. When the first 12 year old bottling was released in

1986 it was marketed under the name Singleton. This remained the brand until 2001 when it was dropped in favour of a new 10 year old Single Malt with Auchroisk on the label. The new whisky was released as part of the Diageo Flora & Fauna range and remains the central pillar of production at Auchroisk. Malty with a hint of nuts and spice on the nose. It is soft and sweet on the palate with chocolate notes.

A number of limited editions have also been released such as a 28 year old from 1974 bottled in 2003 as part of the Rare Malts collection. Most recently added was a 25 year old Single Malt casked in 1990 and bottled at a strength of 51.2% in 2016.