Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenmorangie Distillery
Tain Ross-shire IV19 1PZ Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1862 892 477 / Fax: +44 (0) 1862 894 371
Viewer's Comments about Glenmorangie

Since 1843, Glenmorangie distillery has been producing its famous malt here on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. Though the complex of buildings has seen many changes over the years, Glenmorangie is still handcrafted to this day by the Sixteen Men of Tain using tried and tested methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest documented reference to distillation on this site was in 1703, in the 'Tain and Balnagown Documents', and in the 1730s a brewery was established on the site. Tain's first legal distillery was established by David Sutherland in the early 1820s on a site at the west end of the town. On the 23rd June, 1826, the Inverness Journal advertised his property for sale, describing it as 'small but commodious'. Unfortunately for Sutherland, he failed to find a buyer, and although he was re-licensed for 1827, it appears he went out of business soon after.

The Glenmorangie Distillery was licensed in 1843, and rather than buy brand new stills, the Distillery manager found second-hand swan necked stills that had been used in a gin distillery. These, he decided, would do just fine. This is why our stills have narrow, arching swan necks individually hand beaten into shape by skilled coppersmiths. They are exactly 5.14 metres tall (or for traditionalists, 16 feet 10¼ inches): the tallest stills in Scotland.

The year 1887 saw the final establishment of the Distillery as a limited company by the Maitland brothers, who ran the architects' practice in Tain. Their partner was Duncan Cameron, the manager of the Commercial Bank. Soon, Glenmorangie was exported all over the world; mainly to expatriate Ross-shire folk in the Colonies, but also to fine hotels and businesses in Europe and the United States. One prestigious customer was the Savoy Hotel in London!

In 1915, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were billeted at the Distillery, with the maltbarns converted into makeshift barracks for the duration of the summer. This arrangement continued each summer for the remainder of the Great War. The barns were ideal for barracks, having plenty of free floor space and, of course, the Tarlogie Springs providing an ample supply of water.

Before the Great War ended Glenmorangie had passed out of local ownership, and was bought over by its largest single customer, the Leith based company Macdonald and Muir.

By the beginning of the 1920s, the rigours of wartime production had passed and the Distillery was running again with its full complement of Sixteen Men.

Securing a water supply had always been a problem at the Distillery: the Tarlogie Springs belonged to the local Laird, who leased the right to draw water from the springs to the Distillery company. However, the land surrounding the spring could be used by the Laird for any purpose - a situation which could have jeopardised the quality or quantity of the water. In the 1980s, there was a threat of building development near the springs, so Macdonald and Muir made sure that the water would be safe by buying 650 acres of the land surrounding the Tarlogie Springs.

In the 1990s additional stills were added to the still house to keep up with worldwide demand for Glenmorangie Single Malt. Then, in 2002, we introduced two more fermentation vessels (washbacks) as demand continued to increase.

Although we make more malt whisky than we used to, the Distillery continues to maintain the tradition of only employing Sixteen Men, who work around the clock, all year round, only stopping each year for Christmas and essential maintenance. By only ever employing Sixteen Men we ensure that our distillery remains one of the most traditional in the Highlands.

Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Whisky is famous for its complexity and few whiskies can boast such a range of subtle notes and flavours.

Glenmorangie Whisky Distillery

The Glenmorangie Distillery

Each year, we're lucky to welcome visitors from all over the world who come to discover how their favourite malt whisky is made and meet the people who share their passion for Glenmorangie and live and breathe it every working day.

VISIT THE GLEN OF TRANQUILLITY

If you'd like to take a look around the Glenmorangie Distillery, why not come and visit us here in Tain?

Open All Year
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00
June - August: Saturdays 10.00 - 16.00
Sundays: 12.00 - 16.00

Tour Frequency
10.30 - 15.30 Monday to Friday
10.30 - 14.30 on Saturdays
12.30 - 14.30 on Sundays.
Maximum 15 per group.

Please note that the Distillery will be closed during the Christmas holiday period and tours may be restricted during the Silent Season.

Admission
There is a £2.50 admission charge - which is redeemable against any purchase of £16 or more from the shop.

Groups
Groups are welcome to a guided tour of the Distillery.

Reservations
Pre-booking is advisable.

Location
The Glenmorangie Distillery is about 1 hour (36 miles) north of Inverness . Once you reach Tain, don't turn off into the town but keep on the A9 for about half a mile north of Tain where you'll see the Distillery signposted to your right.

Contact Us
If there's anything that you'd like to ask us about (or you just want to tell us how good Glenmorangie is!) feel free to contact us at any time. Here are all the details you'll need.

The Glenmorangie Distillery Visitor Centre & Shop
Glenmorangie Distillery
Tain Ross-shire
IV19 1PZ Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1862 892 477
Fax: +44 (0) 1862 894 371
Email: Glenmorangie Distillery