Glen Moray Distillery — Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Glen Moray Distillery is a distinguished producer of single malt Scotch whisky situated on the picturesque banks of the River Lossie in Elgin, Moray, within the Speyside region of Scotland. Established in September 1897, the distillery has evolved through several ownership changes to become a notable name in the whisky industry.

History

Originally founded as the West Brewery in Elgin by Robert Thorne & Sons, Glen Moray was converted into a distillery with two stills in 1897. The early years were marked by a fire at their Aberlour Distillery, prompting the company to concentrate on Aberlour whisky production, leading to the temporary closure of Glen Moray in 1910. During the 1920s, the MacDonald and Muir families, owners of Glenmorangie Distillery, acquired Glen Moray, signaling a new era of growth and development.

In 1958, Glen Moray expanded its production capacity with the addition of two more stills, solidifying its position as a significant player in the whisky industry. The distillery was later sold to LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) in 2004 and subsequently to La Martiniquaise in 2008, ushering in a phase of modernization and expansion.

Production

Under La Martiniquaise's ownership, Glen Moray underwent substantial expansion in 2012, boosting its annual production capacity to 3.3 million liters with three wash stills and three spirit stills. Further enhancements in 2016 increased production to approximately 5.5 million liters annually, reflecting the distillery's commitment to meeting growing demand while maintaining its high standards of craftsmanship.

Visitor Centre

Glen Moray Distillery welcomes visitors year-round to its visitor center, offering guided tours and tastings that provide insights into the whisky-making process. The distillery's location in the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail underscores its importance as a key destination for whisky enthusiasts exploring Speyside's rich whisky heritage.

Awards and Accolades

Glen Moray has garnered numerous accolades over the years from esteemed competitions such as the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), International Spirits Challenge (ISC), and World Whiskies Awards (WWA). Notably, Glen Moray 1994 Sherry Cask Finish was awarded the Best Scotch Speyside Single Cask Single Malt category winner in the World Whiskies Awards 2018, highlighting the distillery's commitment to producing exceptional whiskies.