Aberfeldy Dewar's Distillery
Aberfeldy Distillery is a well-known Scotch whisky distillery located in the heart of Scotland. The distillery was established in 1895 by the Dewar brothers, Tommy and John Jr., with the goal of producing fillings for their highly successful blends. The site was chosen for its proximity to the former Pitilie Brewery and its rich history as a distillery that operated from 1825 to 1867. The founders' father, John Dewar, was born just a few miles away from the distillery.
Aberfeldy Distillery was built using the most modern principles of its time, ensuring that barley was turned into whisky with ease and efficiency. The distillery was even connected to Dewar's blending operation in Perth by a private railway line that transported grain, coal, and whisky casks. An old shunting locomotive, known as the "Puggie," is the only reminder of this railway connection, which was discontinued in the 1960s.
After the Dewar's joined the DCL in 1925, Aberfeldy Distillery became part of the SMD, who operated it until its merger with UDV in 1998. The Dewar brand and four distilleries, including Aberfeldy, were then acquired by Bacardi Corporation. Since then, the distillery has undergone extensive renovations, including the creation of a first-rate visitor center, Dewar's World of Whisky, which showcases the company's extensive archives and the remarkable history of the Dewar brothers and their global brand success.
Aberfeldy Distillery is built on land that was feued from the Marquis of Breadalbane, who had the right to mine gold in the area. In 2007, Alba Mineral Resources acquired this right and are currently conducting research into the potential gold reserves in the surrounding area. The Dewar's master blender in 1902, A.J. Cameron, pioneered the idea of returning whisky to the cask after blending, allowing the spirits to marry for three to six months. This tradition is still continued today by Stephanie Macleod, who is the master blender for Aberfeldy single malt and blends. In 2007, Bacardi also purchased land near Motherwell, where they have built nine new maturation warehouses, with plans for nine more, at a cost of around £120 million.
Interestingly, the land on which Aberfeldy stands was feued from the Marquis of Breadalbane, who retained the right to mine for gold there. This right was acquired in 2007 by Alba Mineral Resources, who are currently researching potential gold reserves in the surrounding area. Additionally, Aberfeldy's master blender in 1902, A.J. Cameron, pioneered the idea of returning whisky to the cask after blending to allow the spirits to "marry" for several months. This tradition continues today under the guidance of Stephanie Macleod, the current master blender.
In conclusion, Aberfeldy Distillery is a true gem in the heart of Scotland, with a rich history and a commitment to quality and tradition. From its innovative use of modern principles to its embrace of traditional techniques, Aberfeldy is a distillery that truly stands out in the world of Scotch whisky.
Aberfeldy Distillery was built using the most modern principles of its time, ensuring that barley was turned into whisky with ease and efficiency. The distillery was even connected to Dewar's blending operation in Perth by a private railway line that transported grain, coal, and whisky casks. An old shunting locomotive, known as the "Puggie," is the only reminder of this railway connection, which was discontinued in the 1960s.
After the Dewar's joined the DCL in 1925, Aberfeldy Distillery became part of the SMD, who operated it until its merger with UDV in 1998. The Dewar brand and four distilleries, including Aberfeldy, were then acquired by Bacardi Corporation. Since then, the distillery has undergone extensive renovations, including the creation of a first-rate visitor center, Dewar's World of Whisky, which showcases the company's extensive archives and the remarkable history of the Dewar brothers and their global brand success.
Aberfeldy Distillery is built on land that was feued from the Marquis of Breadalbane, who had the right to mine gold in the area. In 2007, Alba Mineral Resources acquired this right and are currently conducting research into the potential gold reserves in the surrounding area. The Dewar's master blender in 1902, A.J. Cameron, pioneered the idea of returning whisky to the cask after blending, allowing the spirits to marry for three to six months. This tradition is still continued today by Stephanie Macleod, who is the master blender for Aberfeldy single malt and blends. In 2007, Bacardi also purchased land near Motherwell, where they have built nine new maturation warehouses, with plans for nine more, at a cost of around £120 million.
Interestingly, the land on which Aberfeldy stands was feued from the Marquis of Breadalbane, who retained the right to mine for gold there. This right was acquired in 2007 by Alba Mineral Resources, who are currently researching potential gold reserves in the surrounding area. Additionally, Aberfeldy's master blender in 1902, A.J. Cameron, pioneered the idea of returning whisky to the cask after blending to allow the spirits to "marry" for several months. This tradition continues today under the guidance of Stephanie Macleod, the current master blender.
In conclusion, Aberfeldy Distillery is a true gem in the heart of Scotland, with a rich history and a commitment to quality and tradition. From its innovative use of modern principles to its embrace of traditional techniques, Aberfeldy is a distillery that truly stands out in the world of Scotch whisky.
Visitor Centre:
Yes
Tastings:
in the bar, no prior booking required
Region:
Highlands
Address:
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EB, Scotland
Google Maps Code:
J4FX+PV Aberfeldy
Website:
https://www.dewars.com
Phone:
+44 (0)1887 822010
Email/online contact form:
aberfeldydistillery@dewars.com
Approximate travel time from Edinburgh:
1 h 50 min