Whisky production has made a triumphant return to a historic Speyside community after a hiatus of more than 170 years. The Cabrach Distillery, located in a remote and sparsely populated area on the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, recently conducted its first distillation, reigniting the craft of whisky making in an area once known for its illicit whisky trade.
The establishment of The Cabrach Distillery marks a significant milestone for The Cabrach Trust, which was established in 2013 to preserve the cultural heritage of The Cabrach and support its remote community. In addition to the distillery, The Cabrach Trust has ambitious plans to develop a bistro and a dedicated heritage center as part of a community-led regeneration initiative for The Cabrach.
The inaugural distillation at The Cabrach Distillery was a momentous occasion attended by over 100 guests, including members of The Cabrach Collective, a group of ‘founding champions’ dedicated to reviving the forgotten whisky tradition in the area. The ceremony took place at Inverharroch Farm, within meticulously restored 19th-century stone steadings.
The successful application for capital funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund was a crucial step in bringing The Cabrach Distillery to fruition. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who attended the ceremony marking the first distillation, emphasized the significance of the project in creating jobs and supporting innovation in the region.
Jonathan Christie, CEO of The Cabrach Trust, expressed his excitement about the distillery’s first spirit production, highlighting its role in attracting visitors to the area and contributing to the local economy. The maturation process of The Cabrach whisky has begun, with plans to release the first Cabrach Single Malt Scotch Whisky in 2030.
Grant Gordon OBE, Founder & Chair of The Cabrach Trust, shared his pride in the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cultural identity of The Cabrach through the creation of a unique Single Malt Whisky. The distillery, fully owned by The Cabrach Trust, is expected to produce 100,000 liters of spirit annually, sourcing barley from nearby fields and farms.
The hand-crafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky from The Cabrach Distillery will mature in casks within The Cabrach, reflecting the rich history and landscapes of the area. The unveiling of the first Cabrach Single Malt Scotch Whisky in 2030 will mark a significant milestone in the revival of whisky production in this historic Speyside community.