Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glen Ord Scotch Whisky

Distillery Information

Founded in 1838 by Partners Robert Johnstone and Donald MacLennan

Location Highland region, Northern district Muir of Ord

Water source Loch nan Eun and loch nam Bonnach.

Glen Ord Scotch Whisky Distilling Equipment

6 pot stills

Glen Ord Scotch Whisky Distillery History

Glen Ord is situated on the edge of the Black Isle in the Highlands west of Inverness. The distillery’s water source is Loch nan Eun and Loch nam Bonnach and was founded in 1838 by Partners Robert Johnstone and Donald MacLennan. Under the name of Ord Distillery Company, R. Johnstone declared bankrupt in 1847

The distillery had produced whisky illegally for a few years before they received their licence.

Ownership passed to Alexander McLennan & Thomas McGregor in 1855 then to Alexander McKenzie under a 19-year lease in 1877 he constructed new buildings, which unfortunately were burnt down shortly afterwards.

In 1896 the blends company James Watson & Co purchased Glen Ord. They operated the distillery until 1923 when it was acquired by John Dewar & Sons. Up until then the whisky had been sold under the name ‘Glen Oran’, but was renamed ‘Glen Ord’.

In 1930 Scottish Malt Distillers purchased the distillery and invested heavily into the distillery over the following years. By 1966 the distillery had been completely re-built and re-equipped. The floor maltings had been converted to a Saladin Box system, and the number of stills was increased from two to six.

During 1968 the malting improvements continued with a new drum maltings system. This facility is still in use today and supplies many of the current owners, Diageo, distilleries with malt. In 1985 the distillery is acquired by United Malt & Grain Distillers (United Distillers), which eventually becomes Diageo.

A Distillery of many names, besides Glen Ord the whisky produced has also been called Glen Oran, Ord, Muir of Ord and Glenordie. Glen Ord has won several awards for their whisky, for example in 1994, 1995 and 1998. The 1998 award was the gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for the best single malt aged less than 15 years.

Whisky from the distillery contributes to Dewar blends and is included in Diageo’s ‘Hidden Malts’ series

Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Distillery Bottlings

Glen Ord 12 Year Old

Glen Ord 25 year old 1978

Glen Ord 30 years old

Singleton of Glen Ord 12 years old

Distillery tasting notes supplied by Diageo

Glen Ord 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A sociable, friendly, elegantly structured malt for any occasion and any time of day.

Strength: 43% ABV

Appearance: Amber-gold.

Nose: At full strength, distant burning heather; dry peat; sweet pollen; sealing wax; dry orange skins.

With water, softer notes of scented candle wax, dried flowers and brown sugar appear.

Body: Soft, medium

Palate: Well balanced, pleasant mouth-feel; very sweet, then dries slightly. Easy to drink.

Finish: Medium length. Some spice and ginger in the drying aftertaste.

Glen Ord 25 year old 1978 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The second special release from the only Northern Highlands distillery to retain its own maltings. Only 3,600 numbered bottles worldwide.

Strength: 58.3% ABV

Appearance: Amber.

Palate: Fresh, lively, appetising. Well balanced primary tastes - light sweetness (honey and lemon juice), some acidity, and dry spices (cinnamon, ginger).

Finish: Medium length, not complex, but crisp, smoky and dry.

Glen Ord 30 years old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Strength 58.7% ABV

6000 bottles worldwide

This limited edition comes from the only distillery in the Northern Highlands to retain its own maltings. A fine example of the Old Highland style, it’s rich and sweetly fruity with a good balance. A malt to suit a range of palates.

Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Older Distillery Bottlings

Glen Ord 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection Released 1997

Glen Ord 28 Year Old Rare Malts Selection Released 1998

Glen Ord 25 Year Old 58.3 % Abv 3600 Bottles Released 2004

Glen Ord 28 Year Old 58.3 % Abv 3600 Bottles Released 2003

Glen Ord 30 Year Old 58.7 % Abv 6000 Bottles Released 2005

Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Independent Bottlings 

Cadenhead’s,

Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing),

Provenance (Douglas Laing),

Signatory

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