Glengoyne Distillery, located beneath Dumgoyne in the Campsie Fells, is a small farm-style operation that has garnered significant recognition despite its modest size. The distillery is known for its combination of long and very long fermentations, contributing to the depth of flavor in its whisky. The distillation process is notably slow, with three stills (one wash and two spirit) featuring boil bulbs that increase copper contact. This extended interaction between alcohol vapour and copper maximizes reflux, creating a gentle, sweet, and fruity new make.
The whisky produced at Glengoyne is well-suited for maturation in ex-Sherry butts, a signature of Edrington’s distilleries, which has been maintained by current owner Ian MacLeod. This maturation process adds complexity and depth to the spirit, complementing the delicate nature of the distillation.
The history of Glengoyne dates back to 1833 when the Edmonstone family began production at the site. In the 1850s, control of the distillery passed to the MacLelland family, who later sold it to Lang Bros, a Glasgow-based blender, in 1876. Lang Bros renamed the distillery from its original name, Burnfoot, to Glen Guin, which was eventually anglicized to Glengoyne in 1905.
Glengoyne played a crucial role in Lang Bros’ blends, particularly the Supreme blend, as well as in the blends of Robertson & Baxter (now Edrington). When Edrington acquired Lang Bros in 1965, Glengoyne continued to contribute to their portfolio.
Single malt bottlings of Glengoyne began in the early 1990s, with the distillery marketed as “the unpeated malt.” A unique feature of Glengoyne is its geographical positioning: the distillery sits in the Highlands, while its warehouses are located directly across the road in the Lowlands.
In 2003, Edrington sold the distillery to Ian MacLeod for £7.2m, as they considered it surplus to their needs. Under Ian MacLeod’s ownership, Glengoyne has successfully developed into a well-regarded single malt brand and a popular tourist destination, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.
