Glen Elgin Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glen Elgin Scotch Whisky

Distillery Information

Founded in 1898 by the partnership of William Simpson and James Carle

Location: Speyside region, Lossie district, Longmorn

Water source: Springs near Millbuies Loch.

Glen Elgin Scotch Whisky Distilling Equipment

Stainless steel Lauter mash tun.

6 Larch washbacks.

6 Onion shaped stills

Traditional worm tub condensers

Matured in American oak bourbon casks with some European sherry casks

Glen Elgin Scotch Whisky Distillery History

Glen Elgin Distillery nestles quietly in the heart of Speyside. Situated 2 miles south of Elgin on the A941 to Rothes and was one of the last distilleries to be built before Pattison Ltd. Of Leith went bankrupt at the end of 1898.

Built between 1898 and 1900 by a partnership of William Simpson, a former manager of Glenfarclas, and James Carle, the local agent for the North of Scotland Bank.

The distillery was very compact due to a shortage of capital. The architect, Charles Doig, stated it would be the last one built in Speyside for 50 years. His prediction was remarkably accurate with Tormore being the next distillery to be built, in 1958.

Production began on 1 May 1900. Beset with problems from the start. The owners, William Simpson and James Carle saw their investment of £13,000 plummet to £4,000 when they sold the distillery in 1901 to an unnamed buyer. The original site had been chosen for its water source and close proximity to the railway line. Unfortunately the water source proved unreliable and permission for a railway siding was refused due to the incline and space available.

In 1902 the distillery became Glen Elgin-Glenlivet Distillery Co. Ltd and production restarts. Three years later the distillery was silent again. However, the following year Glasgow distiller & blender JJ Blanche purchases the distillery for £7000 and production starts once more

The Glen Elgin-Glenlivet Distillery Co. Ltd is acquired by SMD in 1930. Control is moved to DCL in 1936, which passes the license to White Horse Distillers Ltd.

Until the 1950s the distillery was operated and lit by paraffin. A paraffin engine and a water turbine drove all machinery. One worker had a full time job to keep the paraffin lights burning.

During 1964 the Mash-house, tunroom and stillhouse were rebuilt with new equipment and the number of stills increased from two to six. The Floor maltings were de-commissioned at the same time.

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The distillery proudly depicts the White Horse emblem and is part of UDV's "Elgin Group", along with Linkwood, Glenlossie and Mannochmore. The whisky remains a key component of White Horse blended whisky, which is exported to over 200 countries worldwide.

Glen Elgin Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottlings

Glen Elgin 12 years 43% Flora & Fauna

Glen Elgin 12 years Hidden Malts Selection

Glen Elgin 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery tasting notes supplied by Diageo

An uncommon whisky on its own as it is in demand by blenders. Positive, aromatic and a whiff of smoke.

Strength: 43% ABV

Appearance: Full gold.

Nose: Sweet. Almonds, or marzipan? Some orange juice. Perhaps a trace of sawn wood.

With water, Speyside esters, nut oil and buttery fat, prawn crackers, traces of fresh pears; a whiff of smoke or steam; dense.

Body: Smooth, medium.

Palate: Pleasant mouth-feel; sweetish, then dryish, with some acidity between, all well balanced.

Finish. Dryish, balanced finish

Glen Elgin Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Special Release Distillery Bottlings

Glen Elgin 16 Year Old 1992 Special Release 2004-42.3%abv

1500 Bottles

Glen Elgin 32 Year Old 1971 Special Release 2008 - 58.5 Abv

Glen Elgin Single Malt Scotch Distillery

Independent Bottlings

Adelphi,

Berry’s Own Selection

Cadenhead’s,

Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail),

Mackillop’s Choice,

Murray McDavid

NC2 Range (Duncan Taylor).

Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing),

Scotts Selection (Speyside Distillers)

Signatory,

Whisky Galore (Duncan Taylor).

Published 8 times a year Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes

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