A Spirited Return: The Rebirth of Whisky Making in the Cabrach

Explore the revival of whisky making in the Cabrach, a remote area in Scotland, as the Cabrach Distillery prepares to bring back the spirit of malt whisky after 170 years.
A Spirited Return: The Rebirth of Whisky Making in the Cabrach

Whisky Revival in the Heart of Scotland

The Cabrach, a remote and storied area in north-east Scotland, is witnessing a historic moment as whisky making returns after 170 years. The Cabrach Distillery, under the stewardship of the Cabrach Trust, is set to breathe new life into this culturally rich but economically challenged region.

The distillery, located at Inverharroch Farm, is gearing up for production, with the recent arrival of its stills marking a significant milestone. The Cabrach Trust’s commitment to this project is evident not only in the distillery’s construction but also in the launch of a members’ club and a range of whiskies that embody the spirit of the Cabrach.

A Beacon of Hope for the Cabrach

The Cabrach Trust’s initiative to revive the distillery is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Cabrach community. Despite its past struggles with depopulation and economic decline, the Cabrach has always held a special place in Scotland’s whisky history, including its infamous ties to illicit distillation.

With the distillery poised to become a focal point of the Trust’s regeneration plans, the future looks promising. Not only will it create jobs and volunteer opportunities, but it will also draw visitors eager to explore the area’s heritage and natural beauty.

A view of the lower Cabrach looking over Inverharroch

Jonathan Christie, CEO of the Cabrach Trust, expressed his optimism, stating, ‘The Cabrach is renowned for its role in the birth of malt whisky, and the completion of the Cabrach Distillery will contribute to a tale of renewal like no other. Whisky distilleries are the lifeblood of rural communities, and our new distillery will anchor our regeneration vision, creating much-needed employment and attracting visitors to this special place.’

Embracing Tradition and Innovation

The Cabrach Distillery is committed to crafting single malt whisky using traditional methods, ensuring that each batch is a testament to quality and heritage. Under the expert guidance of Alan Winchester, former master distiller at The Glenlivet, the distillery is poised to make its mark in the world of whisky.

Ahead of its official opening, the distillery has introduced the Cabrach Collective, a community of whisky enthusiasts dedicated to supporting this remarkable journey back to the Cabrach’s whisky-making roots. Membership offers exclusive access to a range of bottlings, including the highly anticipated Feering series.

Cabrach Distillery Heritage

Alan Winchester shared his excitement about the Collective, emphasizing its role in kickstarting the regeneration of this historic location. The Feering series, starting with the Early Harvest Edition, pays homage to the Cabrach’s agricultural heritage and sets the stage for a new chapter in Scotland’s whisky legacy.

For more information about the Cabrach Distillery and how to join the Cabrach Collective, visit [the Cabrach Trust](the Cabrach Trust).