Introduction
This evening, I am reporting on Glenfiddich Distillery which is located in Dufftown in the heart of the Speyside whisky region.
Glenfiddich Distillery Visitor Centre at night
Information on Glenfiddich Distillery
Glenfiddich is one of Scotland’s leading whisky producers. In terms of output by volume Glenfiddich vies with competitor, Glenlivet, for number one ranking position.
Stills at Glenfiddich Distillery
Location is about fifty-six miles east of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It is home to a high concentration whisky distilleries,. These include Dufftown, Mortlach, Glendullan, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie and Convalmore.
Dufftown in summer
The distillery was founded 1886 by William Grant and remains under Grant family control. Grant was a self-made man who, literally, helped construct the buildings with his own hands, aided by his family.
Glenfiddich can claim two ‘firsts’ It was the first distillery to market single malt, in 1963. It was also the first distillery in Scotland to open a visitor centre, in 1969.
Production capacity is about 21.0m litres per annum.
Production equipment has been substantially enhanced. Currently there are four stainless steel full lauter mash tuns, forty eight washbacks and forty three stills.
Mash Tuns
Flagship single malt is a 12 year-old with range extending to 15 and 18 year olds. A wide range of other malts, is available including three separate ranges, namely Grand, Experimental and Time.
Single malts at Glenfiddich
A range of tours and tastings are available.Booking ahead is recommended, especially at peak season. Balvenie is a sister distillery located close by. Tours of Balvenie should also be booked well ahead to avoid disappointment.
Tutored tasting at Glenfiddich
Other visitor sites nearby
In addition to the distilleries specified above, there are others in the district including Glen Grant and Macallan.
Non-distillery sites include:
Speyside Cooperage where visitors can observe the dexterous team of coopers assembling casks for the industry.
Coopers at work at Speyside Cooperage
The nearby Balvenie Castle, which is operated by Historic Environment Scotland
Balvenie Castle
The famous Quaich whisky bar at nearby Craigellachie Hotel where over one thousand single malt whiskies are available.
The Keith and Dufftown heritage railway which operates services during the tourist season.
More information
For more information on the Scotch whisky industry and sightseeing in Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.