Cabrach Distillery Opening in Summer 2024
In the heart of Scotland's rugged northeast, the Cabrach distillery is breathing new life into one of the country’s most storied whisky-producing regions, 170 years after the last distillery here closed. Nestled within the wild, windswept landscapes of the Highlands, this distillery, with the legendary Master Distiller Alan Winchester, formerly of Glenlivet, at the helm, Cabrach Distillery is poised to make a significant impact in the whisky landscape over the coming decades
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The Cabrach area is steeped in the lore of distilling, with records of illicit stills and smuggling prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. This remote area, known for its challenging terrain and harsh weather, was once a hotbed for moonshiners and smugglers who produced and transported illegal whisky to meet the high demand, far from the reach of taxmen. Today, the Cabrach Trust (established in 2011 to regenerate the Cabrach as a thriving, sustainable community with its history, heritage and place in Scottish history celebrated and shared by all) aims to honour this rich history by establishing a distillery that uses traditional methods and serves as a living museum, not only to produce whisky but also to educate visitors about the region’s significant contributions to whisky history.
The Cabrach distillery is unique in its commitment to authenticity and historical accuracy. The distillation techniques look back to the 1820s, employing methods and equipment that mimic those used by early 19th-century distillers. This includes the use of wooden washbacks, direct-fired stills, and worm tubs, all rarities in modern whisky that have the ability to impart depth and complexity to the new make spirit.
The involvement of Alan Winchester might be crucial to Cabrach's ambitions for quality and authenticity. Winchester brings with him decades of experience and respect for traditional whisky-making. His previous position at Glenlivet, saw him overseeing significant innovations while maintaining the Glenlivet DNA. Having sat next to him at a dinner recently, his passion for the distillery was very evident, and as we know, passion speaks volumes.
Underpinning the revival of Cabrach is a commitment to sustainability and community. The distillery operates on a zero-waste basis, aiming to minimise its environmental footprint and promote sustainability. Moreover, the Cabrach Trust invests in the local community by providing education and employment opportunities, helping to revitalise this once-neglected area of Scotland.
This will be more than just a place where whisky is made. It will be a destination for whisky and history enthusiasts. Visitors to the distillery, opening summer 2024. in the centre of Inverharroch Farm, will see first-hand the painstakingly restored 19th-century stone steadings which will also house a café and heritage centre. Visitors can expect a comprehensive tour that includes insights into the historical context of the region, demonstrations of the distilling process, and of course tastings. The visitor centre, housed in a restored 18th-century farmstead, will provide a rustic yet comfortable setting for education and discussion.
Jonathan Christie, CEO of The Cabrach Trust, said: “The Cabrach is renowned for its role in the birth of malt whisky and completion of The Cabrach Distillery will contribute to a tale of renewal like no other. Whisky distilleries are so often the lungs of rural communities, and our new distillery will anchor our regeneration vision, creating much-needed permanent, skilled employment whilst attracting thousands of visitors to this special place, who will be able to discover the area’s rich history, heritage, and natural beauty.”
The engine of any distillery is the Still Room, and the Cabrach has been fitted with Stills made by Forsyth’s - the world leader whose waiting list is measured in years.
Forsyths Chairman, Richard Forsyth OBE, said: “We are honoured to use our decades of expertise in helping to build some of the finest distilleries in the world to support The Cabrach Trust in realising its innovative vision for The Cabrach Distillery.
“The unique location, famed for the vital part it played in Scotland’s malt whisky story, and the distillery’s unique status as a Community Interest Company, which will directly benefit the local Moray community we share, were the main draws for us to become involved and support the project as much as possible.”
Ahead of the opening, The Cabrach Distillery has introduced The Cabrach Collective, a small community of founding champions who will join the journey to revive the long-lost craft of whisky making in The Cabrach. The Collective will be limited to no more than 1,849 members, in tribute to the old steadings, home of The Cabrach Distillery, which have stood at Inverharroch since 1849.
Membership includes an exclusive range of bottlings, headlined by the premier release of The Cabrach single malt whisky once produced; The Feering series of three Speyside blended malt whiskies; access to future Collective-only distillery releases for annual purchase; alongside a wider suite of benefits. Membership is available for £1,245 per person.
With plans to expand its reach both domestically and internationally, Cabrach Distillery is looking towards a bright future and has the support of other local distilleries. Four of them (undisclosed) have donated casks to the distillery that Alan has blended to make a 6000-bottle limited edition called The Feering Early Harvest. It has all the classical Speyside attributes you would expect, but with the addition of a little peated whisky, adding an extra layer of interest and complexity. It is quite delicious and available from The Whisky Shop. Interestingly The Feering is named after the first furrow ploughed which acts as a guide for all the rest.
The Cabrach Distillery will start distillation in August this year.