Glen
GariochWhisky Distillery
Founded In 1797, in the small Aberdeenshire village of Old
Meldrum. The
granite built distillery lies in the heart of the traditional
highland barley growing area and is an excellent example of
harmony between traditional production methods and innovative
conservation ideas.
For 200 years, the villagers of Old Meldrum have passed down
the art of whisky making from generation to generation and
Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited have added pioneering
methods of heat and energy conservation to these traditions.
The use of waste heat and carbon dioxide from the distillation
and fermentation process has in the past been utilised to
heat approximately two acres of greenhouse, producing fresh
vegetables for the local villages.
Glen Garioch
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky reflects the character
of the quiet little village in which it is produced, typically
Highland, full of charm with a long warm finish.
Glen Garioch Distillery Visitor Centre
Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 0ES
Tel: 01651 873450 Fax: 01651 873451
Daily Guided Tours
Monday to Friday from 10am until 3:30pm.
Groups
We welcome party bookings by appointment.
A full range of Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
and a selection of branded merchandise is available.
How to Find The Glen Garioch Distillery
By Road
Glen Garioch Distillery can be found in the small Aberdeenshire
village of Old Meldrum, just outside Aberdeen. Leave Aberdeen
via the A96, following signs for the Airport. At the roundabout
junction with the A947, join the A947 towards Old Meldrum.
Remain on the A947 for 14 miles until the junction with Distillery
Road. Turn left onto Distillery Road. We are located on the
left hand side of the road.
By
Air
Aberdeen Airport is 12 miles from Old Meldrum. Aberdeen and
Inverness train services stop at Dyce station, next to the
Airport.
By
Train
The nearest station to Old Meldrum is Inverurie which is 5
miles away.
By
Bus
Service 305 from Aberdeen Bus Depot to Inverness stops at
Old Meldrum.
Fom Aberdeen
Leave Aberdeen via the A96, following signs for the Airport.
At the roundabout junction with the A947, join the A947 towards
Oldmeldrum. Remain on the A947 for 14 miles until the junction
with Distillery Road. We are located on the left hand side
of the road.
By Road
Aberdeen Airport is 12 miles from Oldmeldrum. Aberdeen and
Inverness services stop at Dyce station, next to the Airport.
By Train
The nearest station to Oldmeldrum is Inverurie, which is 5
miles away.
GLEN GARIOCH HISTORY
1794
John Manson (1762-1838) founder with his younger
brother Alexander (1770-1847). They built Glen Garioch distillery
and a brewery on the site of an old tannery which had a water
supply from the Percock Hills.
1794
- Statistical Account of Meldrum written by Rev Thomas Tait
states there are a distillery and brewery, lately established
in it and both are in a thriving way.
1795
December: Aberdeen Journal brief reference.
1798
Thomas Simpson purchased both the distillery and
the brewery.
1827
Ingram, Lamb & Co became new owners and expanded the buildings.
1837
Era of 2 names, as Glen Garioch was bought by the Strathmeldrum
Distillery Company headed by John Manson Junr, son of founder,
who funded his purchase.
The distillery was still called Glen Garioch.
1838
Memorandum of John Manson’s stock June 1838, shortly
before his death, records
£1,400 lent John Manson Junr Glen Garioch Distillery.
1856
Inverury and Old Meldrum Junction Railway opened bringing
mechanised transport. Whisky casks no longer sent to Aberdeen
by ox cart.
1884
JG Thomson & Co of Leith (principal Joseph Thomson) becomes
new owner.
1886
William Sanderson of Leith, of VAT 69 fame, purchased a 50%
interest in JG Thomson & Co. Twelve men employed under
manager Jimmy Shand, who starts pig farm in distillery grounds.
Local peat dug.
1914
- 1918 Low volume production continued with Glen
Garioch office clerk Charlie Taylor acting as town clerk.
Jimmy Shand retires in 1918 aged 73.
1921
After 35 years of Sanderson half-ownership, William Mark Sanderson,
son of William Sanderson, with other investors, founded the
Glengarioch Distillery Co Ltd to take 100% ownership.
1933
Booth’s Distilleries Ltd became new owner.
1937
Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD), part of DCL, purchased Glen
Garioch.
1939
- 1945 World War II: Distillery closed and some buildings
used as army dormitories. SMD restored production in peacetime.
1968
SMD closed the distillery because of limited water source
and offered it for sale.
1970
Stanley P Morrison Ltd paid £150,000 for the distillery.
Low level production resumed.
1972
Glen Garioch becomes the first distillery in Scotland to gas
fire its stills.
November: Glen Garioch was first marketed in bottles. Previously
only blended into brands like Bell’s, Grant’s
Standfast and Drambuie.
New water source is found at Coutens Farm.
1977
Planning permission obtained for Greenhouse project
to make use of waste heat.
1978
Greenhouse project supervised by BBC Scotland’s
Jim McColl attracts initial publicity. North Sea oil boom
brings streams of visitors and expansion from 2 to 3 stills.
Small visitor centre opened.
1982 Glen Garioch Distillery display is part
of the British Pavilion at the World Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1988
Glen Garioch displayed a mini-distillery and greenhouse at
Glasgow Garden Festival and is honoured with visits from Prince
Charles, Princess Diana and Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher.
1993
Greenhouse project abandoned.
1994
July: Suntory Ltd became owner.
1995
October: Closed.
1997
Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, wholly owned subsidiary of
Suntory Ltd, became owner. Distillery re-opened.
Glen
Garioch Distillery is situated in the Aberdeenshire village
of Old Meldrum in the Scottish Highlands. This region is famed
for its stunning scenery, colourful tartans and is home to
many distilleries, Glen Garioch being one of the oldest and
most endearing. 
