Following a talk to the group from a representative of the distillery, a visit was arranged for those who were interested. Fourteen of us turned up to be greeted by the friendly staff. We then divided into two groups for the tour, as space is limited in certain areas.
A notice board at the entrance gives an impression of what the distillery looked like when it was owned by Johnnie Walker around the turn of the 20th Century.
Our tour guide took us into the yard to explain some of the old and new features, and buildings that make up the distillery. It had fallen into disrepair in the years after WW1 and was finally bought and restored by Dr David Thomson. It was officially reopened by the Princess Royal in 2015.
The original buildings were very dilapidated when Professor Thomson began his restoration, but he was faithful to the red sandstone originally used and searched for the same stone to use in the restoration. His diligence was rewarded and the restored buildings look as if they have been in that condition for many years.
After a brief history of the distillery and a look at photos of the site when it was first acquired by Dr Thomson, we went inside to look at todays production process. We began under the pagoda-style roof.
We then went upstairs to see where the grain comes into the building before heading off to the different tanks and stills. The process was explained to us and we saw the mash tuns and copper stills. These are hand made to the specific requirements of the distillery.
We were then escorted to the Bonded Warehouses where the barrels of whisky are maturing. For obvious reasons (!) this was kept locked and we were not allowed to take photos inside.
The barrels are stored here - initially for 3 years - until the whisky is ready to be bottled. We saw the barrels stacked and labelled. There are two different single malt whiskies being made at the distillery - a peated and an unpeated whisky. They are to be known as the Man O'Words and the Man O' Sword, in honour of Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce.
We were given a taste of each of the Rascally Liqors that are being bottled and sold until the whisky is ready. This is the pure spirit that matures into Single Malt Whisky.
There has been a lot of thought - and money - put into the distillery. Dr Thomson is obviously passionate about whisky and the revival of the distillery. The best materials have been used throughout and this quality can be seen in even the smallest detail of gates, hand rails, doors, lights, stools and tables etc.
The Maltings Coffee Shop at the distillery is a very welcoming, comfortable area. We enjoyed platters of delicious sandwiches and tea/coffee to round off our visit.
