GlenAllachie Distillery Enhances Visitor Centre with £600k Upgrade Ahead of High Season
The GlenAllachie, a prominent Scotch whisky distillery, has unveiled significant upgrades to its visitor centre as it prepares for the busy high season. The £600,000 investment has resulted in the transformation of a former engineering workshop into a whisky bar and tasting lounge, complemented by outdoor seating areas and the addition of new toilets, including facilities for disabled visitors.
The whisky bar will showcase a wide selection of whiskies and rums from The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, as well as various mixers and locally crafted soft drinks. Alongside the expansion, the GlenAllachie Visitor Centre team has doubled in size over the past year to accommodate the growing demand and footfall following the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Tracy Sellar was appointed as the visitor centre manager in 2022 to oversee the upgrades, expansion, and overall management of The GlenAllachie's brand home. The distillery has plans to further enhance its visitor experience offerings once the whisky bar is fully operational.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our expanded visitor centre at The GlenAllachie Distillery after months of planning and preparation. As a team, we identified a gap in our offering: the option to enjoy a dram or flight without the need to join a tour. The new whisky bar, between the indoor and outdoor space, allows for an impressive capacity of 100 people at any one time. As we continue to expand as a visitor attraction, we look forward to a busy summer season with more experiences to offer our guests.” ~ Tracy Sellar, visitor centre manager.
In line with their commitment to sustainability, the newly upgraded space will be heated using excess heat energy from the stillhouse. Additionally, the installation of electric vehicle charging points provides convenient options for visitors with electric cars, further supporting eco-friendly practices at the distillery.
GlenAllachie has expanded its tour offerings, providing visitors with three different experiences to choose from. These tours range from a one-hour experience priced at £25 per person, to the Connoisseurs Tour priced at £60 per head. The Connoisseurs Tour is specifically designed for whisky enthusiasts seeking an in-depth exploration, including a visit to the distillery's warehouse and a tasting of five of their finest drams. To maintain a personalised experience, each tour accommodates a maximum of 10 people.
As the distillery continues to enhance its visitor experience, there are plans for further expansion once the whisky bar is fully operational. The whisky bar and tasting lounge will be officially launched during an event on July 13th, open to all who wish to explore the new space while enjoying a selection of drams and nibbles.
The GlenAllachie Visitor Centre is currently open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout the summer season, which spans from April to October. Tours can be booked through the distillery's website, while the whisky bar operates on a walk-in basis, offering flexibility for visitors to indulge in the GlenAllachie experience at their leisure.
About GlenAllachie
GlenAllachie is a renowned Scotch whisky distillery located in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was founded in 1967 by whisky industry veteran Billy Walker, who later acquired the distillery in 2017 and embarked on an ambitious journey to revive its legacy.
Known for its commitment to traditional distilling methods and quality craftsmanship, GlenAllachie has gained recognition for producing exceptional single malt whiskies. The distillery sources its water from the nearby Ben Rinnes mountain, which contributes to the unique character of its whiskies.
One of GlenAllachie's most popular bottlings is the GlenAllachie 12 Year Old, which showcases the distillery's classic style. It is a well-balanced whisky with notes of orchard fruits, vanilla, honey, and a touch of spice. This expression has garnered praise for its smoothness and complexity, making it a favourite among whisky enthusiasts.
Another highly regarded release from GlenAllachie is the GlenAllachie 18 Year Old. This older expression displays a deeper and richer flavour profile, with layers of dark chocolate, dried fruits, toasted oak, and a hint of smoke. It is a sophisticated and elegant whisky that exemplifies the distillery's dedication to producing aged expressions of exceptional quality.
In addition to these core expressions, GlenAllachie frequently releases limited edition bottlings and special cask finishes that showcase their creativity and expertise. These releases often explore unique flavour profiles and offer whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to discover new and exciting expressions from the distillery.
Overall, GlenAllachie has established itself as a prominent player in the Scotch whisky industry, attracting both whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike with its range of well-crafted and highly acclaimed bottlings. With its rich history and commitment to producing exceptional whiskies, GlenAllachie continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts around the world.
