Dornoch Distillery, situated on the grounds of a former castle in an old fire station, is one of Scotland’s smallest and most experimental distilleries. Founded by brothers Simon and Philip Thompson, Dornoch’s focus is on traditional production methods and unique practices, aiming to revive the essence of 20th-century Scotch whisky distilling.
With a production capacity of just 20,000 liters of spirit per year, the distillery allows for a highly focused and experimental approach to whisky making. The Thompsons prioritize the use of organic, heritage barley varieties like Plumage Archer and Maris Otter, which are floor-malted to specific specifications at Warminster Maltings. These barley strains, although more expensive and yielding less spirit, contribute to a more intense and complex flavor profile, ideal for long-term maturation.
Fermentation at Dornoch is notably slow, with yeast strains chosen for their low efficiency, leading to fermentation times of up to 216 hours – among the longest in Scotland. This extended fermentation process enhances the fruity, complex character of the whisky, which the Thompsons believe mirrors the quality of distilleries during their ‘golden years.’
Maturation takes place in an unconventional insulated shipping container, packed with earth to replicate the conditions of a traditional dunnage warehouse. This experimental approach extends throughout the production process, ensuring a unique and distinctive style.
In addition to single malt whisky, Dornoch also produces an ‘experimental’ gin, with varying botanicals used for each batch. While 90% of production will focus on whisky, the distillery’s gin adds a creative element to their portfolio.
The history of the site dates back to the 15th century, with the original Dornoch Castle passing through various hands before being converted into a hotel in 1947. The Thompson family acquired the property in 2000, and Dornoch Castle became known for its whisky collection and whisky-related activities. Inspired by their love for pre-1960s Scotch whisky, the brothers launched the distillery in 2016 after raising funds through crowdfunding. They began distilling with a test run of single malt in February 2017, followed by the release of their experimental gin in June 2017.
Dornoch Distillery’s approach combines rich history, traditional methods, and innovation, making it a standout in Scotland’s whisky landscape.
