From the ashes rises a phoenix. Dalmunach Distillery was constructed on the former site of the mothballed Imperial Distillery and opened in 2015, making it one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Its impressive architectural design takes inspiration from a barley sheaf. Chivas Brothers outfitted its new distillery in the heart of Speyside with the best of modern distilling technology, including heat recovery and stainless steel washbacks.  Unusually, the eight stills of Dalmunach stand in a circle.

Dalmunach also makes a nod to its past with the red Aberdeen brick from the original distillery recycled in its entranceway and the wood which once formed Imperial’s wash backs now covers the walls of the tun room. The combination of traditional and modern, old and new were the influence of Chivas production director Douglas Cruickshank, who oversaw the design and build of Dalmunach. Cruickshank himself had close ties to Imperial as he commenced his industry career at Imperial at the age of 15.

Most of Dalmunach’s production ends up in owner Pernod Ricard’s blended whiskies – namely Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute but every so often independent bottlers are lucky enough to get their hands on single casks which they age, finish and bottle for every whisky lover’s enjoyment.