In 1897, we built the distillery the valley wanted. Most distilleries build outwards. We built upwards.
In 1897, our founder John Hopkins discovered a narrow, secluded valley on the banks of the Granty Burn, just before it meets the River Spey. Steep slopes. Woodland all around. The perfect spot for making whisky. At the same time, a terrible place for building a distillery.
So Hopkins enlisted Charles C. Doig – the architect who gave distilleries their pagoda roofs, efficient layouts, and timeless character. A pioneer of the Victorian age. Doig looked at the steep contours of our land and did something radical. Instead of fighting nature, he worked with it.
Three levels carved into the hillside. Water and spirit flow. Gravity lends a hand. An iconic pagoda roof peeking through the trees to let the heat rise from our maltings.
Over 125 years later, not much has changed. We’re still tucked into that valley. Still using those same pure waters. Still following our own course.
The Perfect Spot
