Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Dallas Dhu Scotch Whisky

Distillery Information

Founded in 1899 by Wright 7 Greig Ltd

Location Speyside region Finghorn district, Forres

Water source Altyre Burn, known locally as the Scourie Burn

Closed as a operating distillery now a living museum.

Dallas Dhu Scotch Whisky Distillery History

The Glasgow-based company Wright & Greig Ltd founded the Dallas Dhu Distillery in 1899. The renowned architect Charles Doig designed the distillery.

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The word 'Dallas' is derived from the Gaelic word 'dalais', which means Valley or water. The word 'Dhu' Means black and is derived from the Gaelic word 'Dhub'. Whether Dhu is a reference to dark water or a dark valley is undecided.

The distillery was briefly known as "Dallasmore" and the now dismantled Forres to Aviemore Railway served it. The output from the distillery contributed to the blends of Roderick Dhu and Benmore.

J.P O’Brian & Co purchased the distillery in 1919 two years later the distillery was sold on to Benmore Distillers Ltd, This was an English based consortium who also owned Benmore and Lochhead distilleries in Campbeltown and Lochindaal distillery on Islay.

During 1929 the distillery was taken over by DCL the following year control was passed to SMD. Dallas Dhu was mothballed from 1929 to 1936.

On April 9th, 1939 a fire destroyed the still house. However later in 1939 the still house was rebuilt. The Distillery remained silent during the war and started distilling again in 1947.

The distillery was extended in the 1950's and 1960's. Electricity did not reach Dallas Dhu until the 1950's and the water wheel still contributed to the power pool into the 1970's.

However, the investments failed to increase efficiency and the owners (United Distillers, today’s Diageo) made the decision to close Dallas Dhu for good in 1983. At the same time they also closed Banff, Brora, Glen Albyn, Glen Mhor, Knockdhu, North Port and St. Magdalene

Dallas Dhu has fared much better than many other closed distilleries and in 1988 reopened as living museum, which displays the entire whisky production process, by Scotland's Historic Buildings and Monuments Directorate The visitor centre includes a shop, picnic area and refreshments. The tour is in the self-guided audio-visual style full details including open times can found at: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

The license to distil was returned in 1992. However, it is commented that the distillery looks like it could start production anytime as all the plant and equipment are in place.

Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottlings

Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch 21 Year Old (Rare Malts Selection)

1975 - 61.9% released 1997

Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch 24 Year Old (Rare Malts Selection)

1970 - 58% released 1995

Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky Independent Bottlings 

Cadenhead,

Chieftain’s (Ian Macleod),

Cooper’s Choice,

Duncan Taylor,

Gordon & MacPhail,

Mission (Murray McDavid),

Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing),

Signatory

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