Located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland’s whisky capital, the Glen Moray distillery has been producing fine single malt since 1897.
Through the boom times of late 19th Century and enduring two World Wars, the consistency and care taken to produce our spirit has ensured GLEN MORAY has always remained one of the most highly-regarded Speyside single malts.
Since the first drops of spirit ran from the copper pot stills at Glen Moray on the 13th September 1897, just five men have had the honor of holding the title “Master Distiller.”
The know-how and craftsmanship built over years of experience has been passed through generations to ensure every drop has the same quality as the last.
1897
From a brewery, a new distillery is born
Our distillery was originally the Elgin West Brewery, which opened in 1830, producing local ales. Surviving handwritten ledgers show the first spirit run was made on September 13th, 1897, using local barley.
This new make spirit was filled into a wide variety of casks, an unusual practice for the time. It’s a tradition that continues today – our whisky matures in our onsite warehouses in everything from sherry and chardonnay to port casks, producing an intricate spectrum of flavours.
1924
The distillery is well recognised for its work
Indeed after being bought by Macdonald & Muir, a famous wine and spirits merchant, such was the demand for Glen Moray single malt that in 1924, an 1893 vintage was bottled and put on sale at the distillery. It was an unusually rare gem, considering the infancy of single malt whisky released during the era.
1958
Glen Moray invests and expands its production
After a brief production pause during the Second World War, the distillery is back in business. In 1956, new warehouses are opened to accommodate rising demand.
Expansion continues during the 1950’s and a commitment to traditional values is made with the acquisition of Gallowcrook Farm, one of the sources of the very first batch of barley used back in 1897. Two new copper stills and a new still house are added, with the distillery upgraded from coal to oil.
Continuing this ethos of innovation, in the late 1950s modern Saladin malting facilities are installed, enabling output to double and making Glen Moray one of the most up-to-date malt spirit producers in Scotland.
1996
MacDonald and Muir changes its name to Glenmorangie
Then in 2004, French Luxury goods group Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) buys Glenmorangie.
In 2008, LVMH sells Glen Moray distillery to La Martiniquaise and the brand is handled by Bardinet since.
1999
First wood finishes launched – Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
The 1987-appointed Master Distiller Edwin Dodson brings a pioneering passion for unusual cask maturation that harks back to the original days of production at Glen Moray. His 1999 release of two expressions of Glen Moray matured in Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay casks is revolutionary for the brand.
2005
Graham Coull becomes fifth master distiller
After two decades in charge of the stills, Edwin Dodson retires - but not before passing on his wide knowledge to his successor – Graham Coull. Appreciating the great honour of taking on the role, Graham marries his respect for the Glen Moray traditions with an eagerness to explore innovative new techniques, taking the brand from strength to strength.
2014
A new look for the Elgin Classic single malt and launch of the Elgin Classic Collection
Our family of whiskies grows with the introduction of the CLASSIC RANGE, created by experimenting with a range of wine casks during the maturation process. The unique expressions offer an unrivalled breadth of flavour. Alongside the wine cask varieties, Glen Moray's intense and subtly-smoked expression of our Classic Single Malt, the Glen Moray Peated Single Malt, completes the range.