The Annandale Distillery, located in the Lowlands, produces two distinct single malt whiskies, both matured in American oak barrels: the unpeated Man O’ Words, described as “smooth and sophisticated,” and the peated Man O’ Sword, characterized as “strong and powerful.” These two styles reflect the region’s historical connection to peated whisky and its modern reputation for softer, lighter malts.
History of Annandale Distillery
The original Annandale Distillery was built in 1830 by George Donald, a former excise officer from Elgin. Located in the valley of Annandale, the distillery used water from the Middleby Burn for whisky production and the Guillielands Burn for cooling and power. Under Donald’s ownership and later John S. Gardner & Son, the distillery reached a peak production of 28,000 gallons annually, with draff and grain byproducts feeding on-site livestock.
In 1896, the distillery was purchased by John Walker & Sons, which used it primarily to support its growing blended whisky brand, Johnnie Walker. However, by 1919, Walker & Sons chose to focus exclusively on their signature blends, leading to Annandale’s closure in 1921. The distillery’s equipment was removed, and its buildings were repurposed by the Robinson family, famous for their Provost porridge oats, with parts of the site being used for cattle storage.
Revival and Modern Era
The Annandale site remained dormant for decades until it was purchased in 2007 by David Thomson and Teresa Church, founders of the Annandale Distillery Company. They invested £10.5 million in a seven-year restoration project to revive the distillery and preserve its heritage.
Production resumed in November 2014, focusing on the two whisky styles named after iconic Scottish figures: poet Robert Burns (“Man O’ Words”) and warrior Robert the Bruce (“Man O’ Sword”). Notably, the first cask filled at the distillery on November 15, 2014, was valued at an extraordinary £1 million. This showcases the owners’ confidence in Annandale’s future and its potential as a premium whisky brand.
Today, Annandale’s combination of historical significance, unique whisky styles, and modern craftsmanship makes it a fascinating revival story within Scotland’s whisky industry.
