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Dumgoyne, Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB, United Kingdom
Countryscotland
Regionhighlands
Established1833
OwnerIan McLeod
TypeSingle malt
Number of stills1 wash, 2 spirit
Visitor centerYes
StatusActive
Phone+44 1360 550254

About
Glengoyne Distillery

Glengoyne Distillery (Scottish Gaelic: Eadar Dhà Dhobhar, "Glen of the Wild Geese") is a distinguished Highland single malt whisky distillery located in Dumgoyne, north of Glasgow, Scotland. Remarkably, while its whisky is distilled in the Highlands, it is matured in the Lowlands, owing to the distillery's unique position straddling the Highland Line. Glengoyne has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and is currently owned by Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd.

History

The distillery, originally named Burnfoot, was established in 1833 by George Connell, who built the distillery and took out a lease on the surrounding land. In 1876, it was sold to the Lang Brothers of Glasgow, who intended to name it Glengoyne. Due to a clerical error, it was recorded as Glenguin, before finally becoming known as Glengoyne around 1905.

Glengoyne has a rich history marked by several ownership changes:

  • 1833: Established by George Connell.
  • 1851-1867: Owned by John McLelland.
  • 1867-1876: Owned by Archibald C. McLellan.
  • 1876-1965: Owned by Lang Brothers.
  • 1965-2003: Under Robertson & Baxter group, later the Edrington Group.
  • 2003-Present: Acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd.

Production

Glengoyne's water source is the Glengoyne Burn, which flows from the nearby Dumgoyne Hill. The distillery has a 3.7-tonne traditional mash tun with rake and plough, which was replaced by a semi-Lauter mash tun in 2013. There are six Oregon pine washbacks and three steam-heated pot stills (one wash and two spirit). Glengoyne's whisky is notable for being unpeated, using warm air to dry the barley, resulting in a clear, bright appearance and distinctive flavor untainted by peat smoke.

Distillation and Maturation

The unique positioning of Glengoyne on the Highland Line means that while its stills are in the Highlands, its maturing casks rest in the Lowlands. This rare characteristic contributes to its distinct identity among Scottish distilleries. Originally, the distillery featured two old pot stills and practiced partial triple distillation. After a major rebuilding project between 1965 and 1967, the distillery expanded to three pot stills.

Modern Era and Expansion

In 2003, Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. acquired Glengoyne Distillery, leading to significant increases in output capacity and sales. Today, Glengoyne has eight working warehouses with a total capacity of nearly two million liters of spirit. The distillery continues to produce over one million liters of pure spirit annually.

Products

Glengoyne offers a variety of single malt whiskies, including the notable:

  • Glengoyne 10 Year Old
  • Glengoyne 12 Year Old
  • Glengoyne 15 Year Old
  • Glengoyne 18 Year Old
  • Glengoyne 21 Year Old

Additionally, Glengoyne produces a heavily peated variant known as Ballechin, named after a former distillery nearby.

Recognition and Awards

Glengoyne has received numerous awards, including:

  • Double Gold for the 17-Year-Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
  • Gold for the 15-Year-Old Scottish Oak Wood Finish at the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival.
  • World's Best Single Highland Malt for the 17-Year-Old at Whisky Magazine's "Best of the Best" tasting.

Glengoyne is frequently praised for its scenic beauty, earning the title of "most beautiful distillery in Scotland" from many visitors and whisky enthusiasts.

Legacy

With over 175 years of continuous operation, Glengoyne remains a hallmark of traditional whisky craftsmanship, producing Highland single malts that are celebrated for their pure, unpeated character and adherence to traditional methods. Its commitment to quality and heritage continues to attract whisky connoisseurs from around the world.

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Glengoyne Distillery

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About Glenbotal

The idea of Glenbotal came to us naturaly: as whisky lovers, we were always on the lookout for new experiences in the whisky world. That’s why we created Glenbotal and became our very own first customers. We buy unique and hard to find spirits from auctions, ballots, and private collections. Then, we share them with a small circle of friends and people who can appreciate a good dram.

Every time we'll add new rare spirit to our website, we'll update you in the email