Aultmore distillery

Introduction to Aultmore

A Distillery with a Passion for Craftsmanship

Aultmore is a distinctive Speyside distillery nestled in the foggy glens of Keith, Banffshire in Scotland. Known as “The Foggie Moss” among locals, this distillery creates whisky of remarkable clarity and purity. The distillery has built a reputation for producing exceptionally smooth and herbaceous single malts that truly capture the essence of the misty environment where they’re born.

With over a century of whisky-making tradition, Aultmore holds a special place in the world of Scotch. Its relatively secluded location and the surrounding foggy landscape have contributed to both its mystique and the distinctive character of its spirits.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Aultmore

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something unique — both in flavor and identity. Aultmore stands out by crafting exceptionally clean, grassy whiskies that are prized by blenders and connoisseurs alike. The distillery’s commitment to traditional methods and its relatively limited availability on the market make each bottle a true discovery for whisky enthusiasts.

What makes Aultmore truly special is its ability to create complexity through simplicity — a clean, fresh spirit that develops remarkable depth without relying on heavy peat or aggressive cask influence.

The History of Aultmore

Origins and Development

Aultmore was founded in 1896 by Alexander Edward, a notable figure in the Scottish whisky industry who also owned Benrinnes distillery. Built during the whisky boom of the late 19th century, Aultmore was strategically placed near the Foggie Moss, an area known for its pure water source filtered through gorse and heather-covered peat.

The distillery underwent significant renovations in 1971 when it doubled its production capacity. After changing hands several times, Aultmore eventually became part of the Bacardi group through their acquisition of John Dewar & Sons in 1998.

For much of its history, Aultmore’s output was destined for blending, earning it the nickname “top dressing” among blenders for its ability to elevate the quality of any blend. It wasn’t until 2004 that the first official bottling of Aultmore was released as a single malt.

The People Behind It

Today, Aultmore operates under the stewardship of Bacardi’s whisky division, with a team of dedicated craftspeople maintaining its traditional approach to whisky making. The distillery team works diligently to preserve the distinctive character that has made Aultmore a prized ingredient in premium blends for generations.

The master distillers at Aultmore have maintained a consistent house style throughout changing ownership, ensuring that the clean, grassy, and slightly fruity profile remains intact with each new release.

Craftsmanship and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Production at Aultmore begins with carefully selected malted barley, with no peat used in the malting process. This contributes to the whisky’s renowned clarity and pure expression. The distillery uses a long fermentation period, typically exceeding 55 hours, which helps develop the delicate, fruity esters that characterize the spirit.

Aultmore employs four copper pot stills with distinctive tall necks and slightly downward-sloping lyne arms. This configuration promotes reflux during distillation, resulting in a lighter, more refined spirit. The stills are steam-heated, allowing for precise temperature control during the distillation process.

One of Aultmore’s most distinctive features is its use of worm tub condensers rather than modern shell-and-tube condensers. This traditional cooling method contributes to the whisky’s robust body despite its clean profile.

Maturation and Aging

The maturation process takes place primarily in ex-bourbon American oak casks, allowing the spirit’s inherent character to develop without being overwhelmed by the wood. The damp, foggy climate around the distillery creates ideal conditions for slow, steady maturation.

Aultmore whiskies are typically aged for a minimum of 12 years, with 18 and 21-year expressions also available. The extended aging period allows the spirit to develop complexity while maintaining its characteristic freshness. Several independent bottlings also exist, offering whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience single cask expressions with unique characteristics.

Selected Products from Aultmore

Aultmore 12 Year Old – An Introduction to the Distillery’s Style

This edition is a great place to start if you want to understand the distillery’s DNA. Notes of fresh green apples, honey, and dewy grass define this clean, refreshing dram. The palate offers vanilla, malted barley, and subtle citrus, all wrapped in a silky, medium-bodied mouthfeel that makes it approachable yet sophisticated.

Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, the 12 Year Old showcases the distillery’s commitment to quality and natural presentation.

Aultmore 18 Year Old – An Experience for Connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, the 18 Year Old offers a deeper dive into Aultmore’s elegant character. Expect honeyed fruit, delicate spice, and floral notes with a silky texture that coats the palate. The extended maturation adds layers of complexity with hints of vanilla custard, poached pears, and a gentle oak influence.

The finish is impressively long with lingering notes of sweet malt and dried fruit. This is truly a bottle for those who appreciate subtlety and refinement in their whisky.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

While Aultmore has historically been a relatively private distillery (once known as “a nip from the top drawer” due to its rarity), limited visitation opportunities are sometimes available by special arrangement. The distillery’s mystique is enhanced by its secluded location in the foggy glens of Speyside.

For those fortunate enough to arrange a visit, the experience offers a glimpse into traditional Scottish whisky making in one of the industry’s most respected but less publicized distilleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aultmore?

Aultmore is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery producing spirits with a focus on exceptional clarity, purity, and natural character. Their approach combines time-honored Scottish distilling traditions with meticulous attention to detail, creating whiskies that are prized for their fresh, clean profile and surprising depth.

Where is Aultmore Located?

The distillery is located near Keith in Banffshire, Scotland, in an area locally known as “The Foggie Moss.” This misty, foggy environment not only contributes to the distillery’s mystique but also provides the pure water source that gives Aultmore its distinctive character.

What Distinguishes Aultmore?

Aultmore is especially known for producing exceptionally clean, fresh whiskies with a grassy, herbaceous character. Unlike many Speyside malts that rely on sherry cask influence, Aultmore showcases the pure expression of malt with minimal peat influence. The distillery’s use of traditional worm tub condensers and long fermentation times creates a spirit of remarkable depth despite its light character.

Where Can I Buy Whisky from Aultmore?

You can find selected bottles from Aultmore at Vault of Spirits. We handpick the best editions — including the excellent core range expressions and occasionally rare limited releases — giving you access to this somewhat elusive but highly rewarding Speyside gem.