Aberlour distillery

Aberlour Distillery

Aberlour Distillery

Location	Aberlour, Scotland
Owner	Pernod Ricard
Founded	1826
Website	aberlour.com

The Aberlour Distillery is a renowned whisky distillery located in Aberlour, Scotland. It was founded in 1826 and is currently owned by Pernod Ricard. The distillery is known for producing high-quality single malt Scotch whiskies.

History

The Aberlour Distillery was established in 1826 by James Fleming, a local farmer. Fleming had a passion for whisky-making and decided to turn his hobby into a business. He carefully selected the location for the distillery, as Aberlour was known for its abundant supply of pure spring water and fertile barley fields.

Over the years, Aberlour Distillery gained a reputation for producing exceptional whiskies. Its commitment to traditional production methods and the use of locally sourced ingredients contributed to the distillery's success.

Production Process

Aberlour Distillery follows a meticulous production process to create its signature single malt Scotch whiskies. The process begins with the selection of the finest malted barley, which is sourced from local farms. The barley is then malted and ground into a coarse flour known as grist.

The grist is mixed with hot water in a mash tun to extract the sugars. This mixture, known as wort, is then transferred to washbacks, where yeast is added for fermentation. The fermentation process converts the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a liquid called wash.

The wash is distilled twice in copper pot stills to separate the alcohol from impurities. The first distillation takes place in wash stills, while the second distillation occurs in spirit stills. The spirit collected from the second distillation is known as new make spirit.

The new make spirit is then transferred to oak casks for maturation. Aberlour Distillery uses a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks to impart unique flavors and aromas to its whiskies. The maturation process can take several years, during which the whisky develops its character and complexity.

Notable Whiskies

Aberlour Distillery offers a range of exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some of the notable expressions include:

• Aberlour 12 Year Old: A smooth and well-balanced whisky with notes of fruit, spice, and oak.
• Aberlour 16 Year Old: A rich and complex whisky with flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices.
• Aberlour A'Bunadh: A cask strength whisky known for its intense flavors of sherry, dark fruits, and spices.

Visitor Experience

Aberlour Distillery welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and whisky-making process. The distillery offers guided tours, allowing visitors to witness the various stages of whisky production. The tours also include tastings of Aberlour's finest whiskies, providing a sensory experience for whisky enthusiasts.