Dalmunach Distillery, located on the banks of the River Spey in Carron, Moray, is one of the most modern and environmentally conscious distilleries in Scotland. Built by Chivas Brothers (part of Pernod Ricard) in 2014, Dalmunach was constructed on the site of the former Imperial Distillery, which was demolished in 2013. Imperial, founded in 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie, had a history marked by ownership changes and periods of inactivity, but much of its production was used for blends like Teacher’s, Ballantine’s, and Old Smuggler. Eventually, it fell silent before being taken over by Pernod Ricard following its acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005.
By the time Dalmunach was conceived, the Scotch whisky industry was experiencing a surge in demand, both for blends and single malts. To meet the growing need for whisky in its leading blends, such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, and Royal Salute, Chivas decided to demolish the old Imperial site and build a new distillery. This move was not just about expanding production capacity but also about embracing modern technology while maintaining a connection to the past.
Dalmunach was designed with both innovation and tradition in mind. Former Chivas Brothers production director Douglas Cruickshank, who had started his career at Imperial, oversaw the construction. To honor the legacy of Imperial, several key design elements were retained. For example, red brick from the original mill building was used for the entranceway, and wood from the old washbacks was incorporated into the new tun room. The distillery’s design also reflects the local architectural style and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The distillery is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including heat recovery systems, 16 stainless steel washbacks, and eight stills arranged in a circle. This layout not only provides a unique aesthetic but also contributes to the distillery’s efficiency and sustainability. Dalmunach’s blend of historical inspiration and modern innovation has made it a flagship distillery for Pernod Ricard, poised to contribute significantly to the production of both single malt whisky and blends in the future.
