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Aberlour
Founded in 1826 on the western edge of Aberlour town on Speyside.
The distillery is sheltered in the narrow wooded valley of the Burn of Aberlour on the northern edge of Ben Rinnes which accumulates snow and rain water across its moors and creates long cooling shadows for the distillery. Rich amber, smooth and creamy, some peat, a burst of chocolate, sweet fruit notes and oak spices are to be detected within the range.
Founded in 1826 on the western edge of Aberlour town on Speyside.
The distillery is sheltered in the narrow wooded valley of the Burn of Aberlour on the northern edge of Ben Rinnes which accumulates snow and rain water across its moors and creates long cooling shadows for the distillery. Rich amber, smooth and creamy, some peat, a burst of chocolate, sweet fruit notes and oak spices are to be detected within the range.
Ardmore
Construction of Ardmore commenced in 1898 in order to guarantee a supply of malt whisky for the manufacture of Teacher’s blended whiskies, and it continues to provide the life and soul to these products.
A slightly increasing volume is now flowing in another direction and Ardmore can now be savoured as a single
malt. Sitting on the eastern side of the Grampian Mountains it is home to an old-fashioned cast iron mash tun, wooden washbacks and produces a whisky with a higher peating level than most Highland distilleries.
Construction of Ardmore commenced in 1898 in order to guarantee a supply of malt whisky for the manufacture of Teacher’s blended whiskies, and it continues to provide the life and soul to these products.
A slightly increasing volume is now flowing in another direction and Ardmore can now be savoured as a single
malt. Sitting on the eastern side of the Grampian Mountains it is home to an old-fashioned cast iron mash tun, wooden washbacks and produces a whisky with a higher peating level than most Highland distilleries.
Balvenie
One of the last distilleries in Scotland which carries out the entire process of converting barley grown on its own farm, just across the road, into malt whisky which it bottles in its own bottling plant.
Skilled coopers and a coppersmith ply their traditional skills. There are so many casks maturing here that, during nights of extremely gentle weather and the sky over Speyside is alive with twinkling stars, you can hear a fair few of them snoring contentedly.
One of the last distilleries in Scotland which carries out the entire process of converting barley grown on its own farm, just across the road, into malt whisky which it bottles in its own bottling plant.
Skilled coopers and a coppersmith ply their traditional skills. There are so many casks maturing here that, during nights of extremely gentle weather and the sky over Speyside is alive with twinkling stars, you can hear a fair few of them snoring contentedly.
Benriach
Built in 1897 beside the railway and next door to Longmorn Distillery on the back of the 1890s whisky boom. But closed in 1900 and, a reminder of how tough this business can be, remained closed until 1965.
Returned to independent ownership in 2004 with fantastic plans to reopen the maltings. A traditional cast iron
mash tun and four bright stills. On a slightly elevated situation in open countryside, a little south of Elgin and a little north of Rothes. A distillery with bright and sunny disposition and an expanding range of single malts to match.
Built in 1897 beside the railway and next door to Longmorn Distillery on the back of the 1890s whisky boom. But closed in 1900 and, a reminder of how tough this business can be, remained closed until 1965.
Returned to independent ownership in 2004 with fantastic plans to reopen the maltings. A traditional cast iron
mash tun and four bright stills. On a slightly elevated situation in open countryside, a little south of Elgin and a little north of Rothes. A distillery with bright and sunny disposition and an expanding range of single malts to match.
Benrinnes
A Benrinnes distillery has existed in the vicinity of Benrinnes since 1826, although the first buildings were swept away by floods in 1829.
The Whisky is produced by a triple distillation which adds complexity. White chocolate and white pepper complements the aromas of nougat and melon skin. The palate is succulent, brimming with vanilla and fruit.
A Benrinnes distillery has existed in the vicinity of Benrinnes since 1826, although the first buildings were swept away by floods in 1829.
The Whisky is produced by a triple distillation which adds complexity. White chocolate and white pepper complements the aromas of nougat and melon skin. The palate is succulent, brimming with vanilla and fruit.
Caperdonich
Founded in 1897 and opened in 1898 with the somewhat reductive title of Glen Grant No 2 Distillery. It was conceived at a time when whisky sales were on the up and up, Glen Grant needed extra capacity and so a new distillery was commissioned.
No 2 opened when whisky sales crashed and subsequent wars and prohibition inhibited a recovery. And so
having closed in 1902 it remained mothballed until 1965 when the stills were fired up once again. Closed again in 2002, and still closed.
Founded in 1897 and opened in 1898 with the somewhat reductive title of Glen Grant No 2 Distillery. It was conceived at a time when whisky sales were on the up and up, Glen Grant needed extra capacity and so a new distillery was commissioned.
No 2 opened when whisky sales crashed and subsequent wars and prohibition inhibited a recovery. And so
having closed in 1902 it remained mothballed until 1965 when the stills were fired up once again. Closed again in 2002, and still closed.
Cragganmore
Cragganmore distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith. Tucked in by the Spey river and Speyside railway, a delightful distillery in a quiet spot at the end of a slim and leafy country lane, right down on the valley floor.
Visitors welcome to the visitor centre to admire its six wooden washbacks, four short copper stills, dunnage warehousing and delight at its two rectangular worm tubs. For Cragganmore is one of the few distilleries in
Scotland which continue to use traditional worm tubs to cool the spirits.
Cragganmore distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith. Tucked in by the Spey river and Speyside railway, a delightful distillery in a quiet spot at the end of a slim and leafy country lane, right down on the valley floor.
Visitors welcome to the visitor centre to admire its six wooden washbacks, four short copper stills, dunnage warehousing and delight at its two rectangular worm tubs. For Cragganmore is one of the few distilleries in
Scotland which continue to use traditional worm tubs to cool the spirits.
Craigellachie
Craigellachie was founded in 1888 by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edwards. Mackie later went on to build the Lagavulin distillery on Islay.
The distillery is situated very close to where the river Spey is spanned by Telford's famous bridge. This whisky is rarely found in bottle as most of the production contributes to blends. Delicate smoke emerges with buttered toast aromas.
Craigellachie was founded in 1888 by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edwards. Mackie later went on to build the Lagavulin distillery on Islay.
The distillery is situated very close to where the river Spey is spanned by Telford's famous bridge. This whisky is rarely found in bottle as most of the production contributes to blends. Delicate smoke emerges with buttered toast aromas.
Dallas Dhu
Historic Scotland maintains this mothballed, Highland distillery as a museum which allows visitors to inspect the
inner workings, to the very guts, of a distillery but without the noises, heat or smells.
Rather an eerie sense to the place and a tad naked without its own stock in its own warehouses, but at least it is still standing, stills intact. Founded 1898, closed 1983. The last distillation took place in the spring of 1983, therefore, stock is ageing and dwindling and one day all will be gone.
Historic Scotland maintains this mothballed, Highland distillery as a museum which allows visitors to inspect the
inner workings, to the very guts, of a distillery but without the noises, heat or smells.
Rather an eerie sense to the place and a tad naked without its own stock in its own warehouses, but at least it is still standing, stills intact. Founded 1898, closed 1983. The last distillation took place in the spring of 1983, therefore, stock is ageing and dwindling and one day all will be gone.
Dailuaine
The traditional age-blackened, dressed granite, dunnage warehouses with old crow-stepped, slated roofs once sheltered its slumbering casks down in the cool and the quiet of the valley floor.
And alas the pagoda roof, kiln and brick chimney which used to signal the distillery’s presence to the wider world have long gone. Just a tantalising little left of the original founded in 1851. Surrounded by ageing beach and oaks
and pines it takes a bit of finding down on a meandering bend in the valley of the River Spey, on the very toe nails
of the Ben Rinnes mountain.
The traditional age-blackened, dressed granite, dunnage warehouses with old crow-stepped, slated roofs once sheltered its slumbering casks down in the cool and the quiet of the valley floor.
And alas the pagoda roof, kiln and brick chimney which used to signal the distillery’s presence to the wider world have long gone. Just a tantalising little left of the original founded in 1851. Surrounded by ageing beach and oaks
and pines it takes a bit of finding down on a meandering bend in the valley of the River Spey, on the very toe nails
of the Ben Rinnes mountain.
Glen Elgin
Founded in 1898, on the crest of the optimism and financial make-believe which flowed through the contemporary whisky industry, and opened in 1900. But after just five short months of production the distillery promptly closed.
Production re-commenced in 1906 but was hampered by prohibition and two world wars. Perhaps it was destined
to await the next industrial coming, the coming of the road network. Right by the main road, directly connected this time. Its six stills are operated on a unique balanced distillation system and the spirit cooled in six fabulous round wooden worm tubs basking in the sunlit courtyard, truly a sight to behold.
Founded in 1898, on the crest of the optimism and financial make-believe which flowed through the contemporary whisky industry, and opened in 1900. But after just five short months of production the distillery promptly closed.
Production re-commenced in 1906 but was hampered by prohibition and two world wars. Perhaps it was destined
to await the next industrial coming, the coming of the road network. Right by the main road, directly connected this time. Its six stills are operated on a unique balanced distillation system and the spirit cooled in six fabulous round wooden worm tubs basking in the sunlit courtyard, truly a sight to behold.
Glendronach
Founded in 1826 so closing in on a double century. The last distillery in Scotland to heat its stills directly with
flames from a coal-fired furnace, until it had to comply with new regulations in 2005. Nonetheless, still resplendent with a traditional cask iron mash tun, wooden washbacks and four stills.
Malting floors closed in 1996 making those earlier, sherry matured vintages just a little special. Returned to private ownership and became a stable mate to Benriach Distillery in 2008. The reopening of the malting floors and kiln with its peat fire will be welcomed by distillery visitors and malt whisky connoisseurs.
Founded in 1826 so closing in on a double century. The last distillery in Scotland to heat its stills directly with
flames from a coal-fired furnace, until it had to comply with new regulations in 2005. Nonetheless, still resplendent with a traditional cask iron mash tun, wooden washbacks and four stills.
Malting floors closed in 1996 making those earlier, sherry matured vintages just a little special. Returned to private ownership and became a stable mate to Benriach Distillery in 2008. The reopening of the malting floors and kiln with its peat fire will be welcomed by distillery visitors and malt whisky connoisseurs.
Glenfarclas
Situated to the south of the main road between Ballindalloch and Aberlour. Founded 1836, purchased by John
Grant and his son George in 1865 for a smidging over £500 and has sailed and prospered independently ever
since with the Grant family at the helm.
The interior of the visitor centre is stunning, the walls are lined with the original oak panels salvaged from a lounge on the liner SS Empress of Australia when she was scrapped at Rosyth in 1952. Ace sherry casks underpin the ethos of Glenfarclas, having released its first cask strength single malt way back in 1968.
Situated to the south of the main road between Ballindalloch and Aberlour. Founded 1836, purchased by John
Grant and his son George in 1865 for a smidging over £500 and has sailed and prospered independently ever
since with the Grant family at the helm.
The interior of the visitor centre is stunning, the walls are lined with the original oak panels salvaged from a lounge on the liner SS Empress of Australia when she was scrapped at Rosyth in 1952. Ace sherry casks underpin the ethos of Glenfarclas, having released its first cask strength single malt way back in 1968.
Glenfiddich
A Speyside distillery on the edge of Dufftown, Banffshire. Founded 1886, the first to popularise single malt in the 1960s, and then the first to open a visitor centre and then to offer tours around the distillery in 1969.
Remains an independent, family owned business. Its close neighbours Balvenie and Kininvie Distilleries are its
stable mates. With 28 stills it is the largest malt distillery in Scotland, indeed it has more stills than any other distillery in the whole world. A medium weight straight forward style of malt whisky.
A Speyside distillery on the edge of Dufftown, Banffshire. Founded 1886, the first to popularise single malt in the 1960s, and then the first to open a visitor centre and then to offer tours around the distillery in 1969.
Remains an independent, family owned business. Its close neighbours Balvenie and Kininvie Distilleries are its
stable mates. With 28 stills it is the largest malt distillery in Scotland, indeed it has more stills than any other distillery in the whole world. A medium weight straight forward style of malt whisky.
Glenlivet
Where distilling was practiced using tarnished copper stills and the illicit whisky walked out along muddy footpaths on the backs of dark horses with muddy feet well before 1824, the year when the distillery was granted a licence.
Now on the pristine Malt Whisky Trail and a member of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Admire
the eight wooden washbacks and eight tall copper stills, watch as capacity is doubled in 2009 with a second mash tun, eight new washbacks and six new and highly polished copper stills. How times keep changing.
Where distilling was practiced using tarnished copper stills and the illicit whisky walked out along muddy footpaths on the backs of dark horses with muddy feet well before 1824, the year when the distillery was granted a licence.
Now on the pristine Malt Whisky Trail and a member of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Admire
the eight wooden washbacks and eight tall copper stills, watch as capacity is doubled in 2009 with a second mash tun, eight new washbacks and six new and highly polished copper stills. How times keep changing.
Glenlossie
Founded in 1876 by John Duff, lies just to the south of Elgin.
The distillery was rebuilt following a fire in 1929 and was later expanded from 4 to 6 stills. Mannochmore distillery was erected nearby in 1971. The 11-year-old cask strength release gives beautifully clean floral fruity and spicy notes with an element redolent of hot-cross buns. The grassy, malty flavours are backed by a sinewy texture.
Founded in 1876 by John Duff, lies just to the south of Elgin.
The distillery was rebuilt following a fire in 1929 and was later expanded from 4 to 6 stills. Mannochmore distillery was erected nearby in 1971. The 11-year-old cask strength release gives beautifully clean floral fruity and spicy notes with an element redolent of hot-cross buns. The grassy, malty flavours are backed by a sinewy texture.
Glenrothes
The distillery was built in 1878 by James Stuart & Co and the first spirit ran off the stills on the 28 December 1879, the same day as the Tay Bridge disaster.
The Glenrothes is mainly matured in Spanish ex-Sherry casks, and some ex-Bourbon casks. The Glenrothes is unique compared to other single malts in that, beginning in 1994, the bottlings are not determined by age but by vintage. The Glenrothes is also sold as "Select Reserve", a recently introduced non-vintage line.
The distillery was built in 1878 by James Stuart & Co and the first spirit ran off the stills on the 28 December 1879, the same day as the Tay Bridge disaster.
The Glenrothes is mainly matured in Spanish ex-Sherry casks, and some ex-Bourbon casks. The Glenrothes is unique compared to other single malts in that, beginning in 1994, the bottlings are not determined by age but by vintage. The Glenrothes is also sold as "Select Reserve", a recently introduced non-vintage line.
Glen Grant
With ten wooden washbacks and eight copper stills producing around six million litres of new spirit in one year this is truly an industrial establishment.
A gloriously peaceful garden in which to walk off the extremely generous dram or three which round off the distillery tour. Or marvel at the waterfall at the top of the garden and the intensely orange colour of the water in the burn as it swirls and roars downhill after a heavy shower of rain.
With ten wooden washbacks and eight copper stills producing around six million litres of new spirit in one year this is truly an industrial establishment.
A gloriously peaceful garden in which to walk off the extremely generous dram or three which round off the distillery tour. Or marvel at the waterfall at the top of the garden and the intensely orange colour of the water in the burn as it swirls and roars downhill after a heavy shower of rain.
Glen Mhor
Founded in 1892 by John Birnie & James McKinley with production beginning in 1894
Glen Mhor distillery was closed in 1983 and today a supermarket sits on the former site. Glen Mhor is Gaelic for Great Glen. Widely tipped to follow in the footsteps of the enthusiasts whiskies such as Port Ellen as this 'lost' distillery becomes ever more collectable.
Founded in 1892 by John Birnie & James McKinley with production beginning in 1894
Glen Mhor distillery was closed in 1983 and today a supermarket sits on the former site. Glen Mhor is Gaelic for Great Glen. Widely tipped to follow in the footsteps of the enthusiasts whiskies such as Port Ellen as this 'lost' distillery becomes ever more collectable.
Glen Moray
Resting on the western fringes of Elgin with the expansive and reflecting Moray Firth to hand, on the banks of the River Lossie.
In a bright and airy region, an area renowned for long summers and lots of sunshine. The buildings were
converted from a brewery, established in 1831, to a distillery in 1897. Now kitted in stainless steel and copper it is
a thoroughly modern Speysider. A member of the Malt Whisky Trail and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Resting on the western fringes of Elgin with the expansive and reflecting Moray Firth to hand, on the banks of the River Lossie.
In a bright and airy region, an area renowned for long summers and lots of sunshine. The buildings were
converted from a brewery, established in 1831, to a distillery in 1897. Now kitted in stainless steel and copper it is
a thoroughly modern Speysider. A member of the Malt Whisky Trail and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Imperial
Designed by Charles Doig no less and opened in 1897 just as Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee.
Of course it took the name Imperial and of course a huge golden crown was placed upon its pagoda roof and of course its huge stills were big enough to satisfy an empire, its vast lawns sufficiently tidy to grace any imperial home. Sheltered and comfy on the wooded valley floor, right beside the mighty River Spey. What more could a distillery ask for? And yet it’s now closed. Closed in 1998, looking a tad neglected and the rail line long gone.
Designed by Charles Doig no less and opened in 1897 just as Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee.
Of course it took the name Imperial and of course a huge golden crown was placed upon its pagoda roof and of course its huge stills were big enough to satisfy an empire, its vast lawns sufficiently tidy to grace any imperial home. Sheltered and comfy on the wooded valley floor, right beside the mighty River Spey. What more could a distillery ask for? And yet it’s now closed. Closed in 1998, looking a tad neglected and the rail line long gone.
Kininvie
Opened in 1990 on the Glenfiddich estate, adjacent to Balvenie Distillery and Glenfiddich Distillery, to produce even more malt whisky to meet the ever-increasing demand for Wm Grant’s blended whiskies.
A rather unusually arranged distillery since its mash tun and its nine washbacks actually reside in Balvenie making
it a stills distillery. Its casks slumbering down beside the River Fiddich, underneath Speyside’s twinkling night skies.
Opened in 1990 on the Glenfiddich estate, adjacent to Balvenie Distillery and Glenfiddich Distillery, to produce even more malt whisky to meet the ever-increasing demand for Wm Grant’s blended whiskies.
A rather unusually arranged distillery since its mash tun and its nine washbacks actually reside in Balvenie making
it a stills distillery. Its casks slumbering down beside the River Fiddich, underneath Speyside’s twinkling night skies.
Linkwood
The picturesque Linkwood distillery, founded in 1821, is one of Speyside's hidden gems. The Victorian buildings still stand despite much updating and expansion during the 1960s and 1970s.
Crystal clear water fills the distillery dam and is used to cool the condensers. Fruit and floral aromas abound with peach skin and vanilla coming to the fore. The delicate, smoky palate has a balanced and complex feel.
The picturesque Linkwood distillery, founded in 1821, is one of Speyside's hidden gems. The Victorian buildings still stand despite much updating and expansion during the 1960s and 1970s.
Crystal clear water fills the distillery dam and is used to cool the condensers. Fruit and floral aromas abound with peach skin and vanilla coming to the fore. The delicate, smoky palate has a balanced and complex feel.
Longmorn
Immediately south of Elgin, plum on the pulsing artery of the Strathspey Railway which whisked bulky materials right into the distillery.
Established 1893, and followed at lightning speed in 1897 by its chum next door Benriach, to meet a huge and ever growing demand for Speyside whisky. From four to six stills in one still house to eight in two houses all during the 1970s. Prior to the distillery a miller and his mill occupied the site and prior to the miller a minister ministered in his kirk.
Immediately south of Elgin, plum on the pulsing artery of the Strathspey Railway which whisked bulky materials right into the distillery.
Established 1893, and followed at lightning speed in 1897 by its chum next door Benriach, to meet a huge and ever growing demand for Speyside whisky. From four to six stills in one still house to eight in two houses all during the 1970s. Prior to the distillery a miller and his mill occupied the site and prior to the miller a minister ministered in his kirk.
Macallan
In a fabulous spot in the valley of the mighty River Spey, at the heart of its very own Easter Elchies estate.
Founded in 1824 and constructed in the grounds of Easter Elchies House which in turn dates back to 1700, indeed there was a home here even prior to 1700. Into the twenty-first century now and visitors warmly welcomed into
the visitor centre, twenty-two washbacks, two still houses sheltering twenty-one copper stills; a mighty outfit. Matured at the distillery, some in traditional dunnage warehouses, much racked in vast, new buildings.
In a fabulous spot in the valley of the mighty River Spey, at the heart of its very own Easter Elchies estate.
Founded in 1824 and constructed in the grounds of Easter Elchies House which in turn dates back to 1700, indeed there was a home here even prior to 1700. Into the twenty-first century now and visitors warmly welcomed into
the visitor centre, twenty-two washbacks, two still houses sheltering twenty-one copper stills; a mighty outfit. Matured at the distillery, some in traditional dunnage warehouses, much racked in vast, new buildings.
Mannochmore
Constructed in 1971 alongside Glenlossie which dates from 1876, so a bit of a young thing really; definitely not
twins nor siblings.
It sits just south of Elgin, not by a canal or railway or highway. In a bit of a hollow and the mantle of its elderly neighbour, working hard but not much recognition. Escaping the gaze of the casual distillery spotter, occasionally recognised by an enthusiastic malt crusader. It is the home of Loch Dhu, the unusual and now discontinued black single malt.
Constructed in 1971 alongside Glenlossie which dates from 1876, so a bit of a young thing really; definitely not
twins nor siblings.
It sits just south of Elgin, not by a canal or railway or highway. In a bit of a hollow and the mantle of its elderly neighbour, working hard but not much recognition. Escaping the gaze of the casual distillery spotter, occasionally recognised by an enthusiastic malt crusader. It is the home of Loch Dhu, the unusual and now discontinued black single malt.
Mortlach
Established on the edge of Dufftown way back in 1823 on a site long frequented by illicit distillers.
Down by the shaded banks of the River Dullan with wooden worm tubs, six stills of assorted shapes and sizes,
and three spirit safes in order to run a unique two and a half times, or partial triple, distillation process which was probably developed back in the late 1890s when the number of stills was increased from three to six. Nearby Mortlach Church can trace its existence back through decades, centuries and even a millennium.
Established on the edge of Dufftown way back in 1823 on a site long frequented by illicit distillers.
Down by the shaded banks of the River Dullan with wooden worm tubs, six stills of assorted shapes and sizes,
and three spirit safes in order to run a unique two and a half times, or partial triple, distillation process which was probably developed back in the late 1890s when the number of stills was increased from three to six. Nearby Mortlach Church can trace its existence back through decades, centuries and even a millennium.
Tormore
Complete with the iconic pagoda-style roofs and brick chimney stack, and yet not your traditional-iconic distillery.
No sign of local stones carted out of the local fields nor quarry nor river bed. Rather, decorative pagoda roofs, decorative dressed granite, snow-white washed walls, many glass windows, green-coppered roofs, a clock
tower upon the still room, a clock to chime Scottish tunes, gardens landscaped around a rectangular curling pond, topiary, matching houses, the distillery’s very own community. Now housing eight short stills in its tall still house.
Complete with the iconic pagoda-style roofs and brick chimney stack, and yet not your traditional-iconic distillery.
No sign of local stones carted out of the local fields nor quarry nor river bed. Rather, decorative pagoda roofs, decorative dressed granite, snow-white washed walls, many glass windows, green-coppered roofs, a clock
tower upon the still room, a clock to chime Scottish tunes, gardens landscaped around a rectangular curling pond, topiary, matching houses, the distillery’s very own community. Now housing eight short stills in its tall still house.
Speyside
By the River Tromie near its confluence with the River Spey, on the banks of Inch Marshes the much flooded flood plane of the upper River Spey.
The original Speyside distillery resided and flourished in Kingussie from 1895 until 1905 before being demolished in 1911. Our one resides by the village of Drumguish, a short south-west of Kingussie. Very many long years in the building its stills fired into life just the right side of Christmas 1990. With just two small stills output is quite small.
By the River Tromie near its confluence with the River Spey, on the banks of Inch Marshes the much flooded flood plane of the upper River Spey.
The original Speyside distillery resided and flourished in Kingussie from 1895 until 1905 before being demolished in 1911. Our one resides by the village of Drumguish, a short south-west of Kingussie. Very many long years in the building its stills fired into life just the right side of Christmas 1990. With just two small stills output is quite small.
Speyside Malts
The Location
The valley of the River Spey and its tributaries, prestigious Speyside. But, with added value comes a desire to be a part. And so Speyside is a variable concept, sometimes with extraordinarily wide boundaries. And yet, in whisky terms, it’s really a place in an imaginary space. Most of its length officially residing within the Highlands since differential taxation commenced in the eighteenth century. Origins in the heart of the Highlands, in the mighty and majestically snow clad Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountains, ending at Spey Bay, into the North Sea. A powerhouse for energy and waste disposal. The area, with peat and water and barley all in abundance and yet, a late developer. An inland area without a canal, without piers and their sailing boats, without powered connections. Without powered connections indeed, but when the tracks arrived it was an end to all that, and there was no looking back. 
A Smooth Line
The Speyside Railway; relatively independent of the elements, of the gales and of the seasons and of the tides. Freed from the limited capacity of four legged oxen, four legged horses or two legged humans, to turn the wheels. From Rothes to Perth it went in, like a warm knife through ice-cream creating a smooth space in which to rest the cherries and the chocolate and the soft fruits. It created a sheltered place in which to rest your gleaming new distillery with its own little shunting line and puffer to carry your sherry casks right up to your door, and then right back out again and deep into the heart Perth, or on to Glasgow or Edinburgh or the whole world beyond. Speyside was created, just like that. The chimneys sprouted along the valley’s floor, in-by the river, up amongst the Pines and the Oak and the Birch and into the canopy. Some steam and some reek the giveaway from time to time. And so as in Campbeltown they squeezed in. In-by, but out-by if necessary; out-by on the slopes where it only needed a little more line to get connected to Speyside. Many lost and many found since then, in almost a century and a half. The rails have gone but the chimneys and the steam and the reek still rest on that smooth line. 
Its Personal
In-by and out-by. In-by road and out-by road now. And further and faster in a day or in an hour. Australia, Japan, and China, and the moon soon. And with railways came the holidays and the holidaymakers and the trippers, the market no longer just in-by locals and out-by capitals and foreign market places. With in-by visitors developed in-by visitor centres, with distillery tours and tasting and shops. Now you can come in-by from around the globe, buy-in for yourself, see for yourself what lies within, you are in for a big surprise. Reek and oaky spices and bursts of chocolate and dried fruits in that smooth whisky from that smooth place, in-by the River Spey, in Speyside, in-by those Highlands.
