The Return of Whisky Production to The Cabrach: A New Era Begins

Whisky production has returned to a historic Scottish community after nearly two centuries. The Cabrach Distillery’s first distillation was celebrated with an exclusive ceremony, graced by the presence of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes, alongside over 100 guests from the local community.

Located in rural Moray on the edge of Speyside, The Cabrach is widely acknowledged as a birthplace of malt whisky. This stunning area once boasted three legal distilleries thriving in the 19th century, following the introduction of regulated production in 1823.

The stunning landscapes of The Cabrach, witnessing the rebirth of whisky production.

A Historic Distillation

The first distillation occurred at Inverharroch Farm, within beautifully restored 19th-century stone buildings. This revival is a part of The Cabrach Trust’s ambitious community-led regeneration project. Plans for the future include the establishment of a bistro and a heritage centre adjacent to the distillery, which aims to serve as a cultural hub for both locals and visitors.

Profits from the distillery will support the continued growth of The Cabrach Trust’s regeneration vision, securing a sustainable economic future for the area. The distillery is also recognized as a recipient of the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, designed to facilitate projects that support the North East and Moray’s eco-friendly transformation.

During the ceremony, Forbes toured the distillery’s stillhouse, where the first spirit flowed through the spirit safe, marking a significant moment in whisky rebirth. Her address in the dunnage warehouse underscored the bravery of this initiative and the transformational potential it holds for the local economy.

Celebrations marking the first distillation event, a pivotal moment for the community.

Impact on the Community

The Cabrach Distillery isn’t just about whisky—it represents a heartfelt community commitment to reviving local heritage. As Jonathan Christie, the CEO of The Cabrach Trust, passionately stated:

“Our first distillation represents a long-awaited, landmark milestone in our journey to revive the lost spirit of The Cabrach. This is a project that will serve as the economic lungs of our regeneration vision for this special place, attracting thousands of visitors to the area, captivated by the incredible history and timeless landscapes of The Cabrach.”

Forbes reiterated this sentiment during her speech, highlighting the distillery’s role in creating jobs and supporting innovation within the region. She emphasized:

“The Cabrach Distillery was one of the first projects to secure funds from the Just Transition Fund, a £75 million Scottish Government initiative to create jobs and support innovation across the North East and Moray. Today’s ceremony signals the start of a new chapter for The Cabrach and its ambitions to be a leading example of community-led, rural regeneration.”

The meticulous process of crafting whisky as part of a larger vision for The Cabrach.

As the distillery embarks on this exciting journey, it is clear that The Cabrach Distillery will not only yield exquisite handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky but will also act as a cornerstone for sustainable community development. With its rich history and a promising future, The Cabrach is poised to attract whisky enthusiasts and tourists alike, bridging its past and present while nurturing the local community.

In conclusion, the revival of whisky production in The Cabrach is not just a return to tradition; it is an inspiring example of how communities can harness their heritage to foster economic growth and sustainability. As whisky flows once more, so too does hope for a brighter, more prosperous future for this historic Scottish village.