Beam Suntory is investing $8.3 million into Glen Garioch. The spirits giant will use the money to reintroduce floor maltings and other “traditional” processes to the Highland Scotch distillery.
Founded in 1797 in Oldmeldrum, Scotland, the renovation of the Glen Garioch distillery will also include the installation of direct fire heating to the wash still. Furthermore, Beam Suntory will introduce a “cutting-edge” direct fired distillation method, which will reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint by 15%.
“Although these traditional distilling and malting methods are rare in today’s industry, our teams have deep expertise and passion for these methods, and we’re all looking forward to bringing them back to our distillery,” said Kwanele Mdluli, distillery manager. “We are honoured to be a part of Glen Garioch’s long tradition of innovation and quality craftsmanship.”
Glen Garioch is returning to “traditional processes” out of “respect for its rich heritage,” and expects to deliver its first new make spirit of the still later this year.
“Our whisky has always been made with extraordinary care, and by reinvigorating its distillery and tapping into the brand’s rich history, we’ll be able to build on the quality and complexity that Glen Garioch is already known for,” commented Francois Bazini, Beam Suntory’s managing director – Scotch, Gin and Irish. “Although we’re looking to the past for inspiration, we’re opening the next chapter in Glen Garioch’s future.”
Currently, the distillery offers two Whiskies as part of its core range: the Founder’s Reserve and Glen Garioch 12 Years Old. It also produces a variety of vintage releases and a 15 Year Old Whisky.
Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest Whisky distilleries, dating back to 1797. Suntory bought the company from Morrison’s and mothballed it in 1995, but then reopened it in 1997. Currently, it is operated by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, which is owned by Suntory.
