Glentauchers distillery

Introduction to Glentauchers

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Glentauchers is a Speyside Scottish distillery nestled in the rolling hills near Keith in Moray, combining traditional craftsmanship with subtle innovation. The distillery has built a reputation for producing elegant and refined spirits – created with respect for both raw materials, technique and terroir.

Though often flying under the radar of mainstream whisky enthusiasts, Glentauchers produces malt whisky that is highly valued by blenders and independent bottlers alike for its remarkable versatility and distinctive character.

Why we have a soft spot for Glentauchers

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something unique – both in taste and identity. Glentauchers stands out for its delicate, fruity spirit character that provides an excellent canvas for various cask maturations.

The distillery’s commitment to traditional production methods combined with its relatively limited availability as a single malt makes each bottling a discovery worth pursuing for the discerning whisky lover.

The history behind Glentauchers

Origin and development

Glentauchers was founded in 1897 by James Buchanan (of Black & White whisky fame) and William Whiteley during the whisky boom of the late 19th century. Strategically positioned near the railway line between Elgin and Keith, the distillery was designed by the renowned distillery architect Charles Doig.

The distillery weathered challenging times through the 20th century, including closure during both World Wars and a period of mothballing between 1985 and 1992. Since 2000, it has been owned by Pernod Ricard through their Chivas Brothers subsidiary, continuing its important role in premium blends.

The people behind

Today, Glentauchers is operated by a dedicated team of craftspeople who share a deep passion for whisky and tradition. The distillery maintains a relatively low profile, with most of its production destined for blends like Ballantine’s and Teacher’s.

However, the small portion that makes it to single malt releases demonstrates the team’s commitment to quality and consistency, preserving the distinctive character that has made Glentauchers valuable to blenders for over a century.

The craft and production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Glentauchers follows traditional Speyside methods, beginning with Scottish barley that undergoes a relatively long fermentation period of around 60 hours. This extended fermentation contributes to the fruity, estery character that defines the spirit.

Distillation takes place in three pairs of stills with distinctive long, slender necks that promote reflux and create a lighter, more refined spirit. The slow distillation process allows for maximum copper contact, resulting in a clean, elegant new make.

Maturation and aging

The spirit is typically matured in traditional oak casks, predominantly ex-bourbon barrels that complement the distillery’s fruity character with vanilla and honey notes. Some expressions also benefit from sherry cask finishing or maturation, adding layers of dried fruit and spice.

The distillery’s warehouse location in the gentle Speyside climate provides ideal conditions for slow, consistent maturation, allowing the whisky to develop complexity while retaining its fundamental character. Independent bottlings often showcase Glentauchers at cask strength, offering enthusiasts a more intense expression of its distinctive profile.

Selected products from Glentauchers

Glentauchers 15 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This official bottling is an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s DNA. Notes of orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, and delicate florals, accompanied by a creamy mouthfeel make it a favorite among both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts.

The balance between sweet and spice elements showcases the distillery’s elegant character and serves as a perfect introduction to what Glentauchers has to offer.

Independent bottlings – Experiences for connoisseurs

Some of the most intriguing expressions of Glentauchers come from independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, and Duncan Taylor. These single cask releases often feature higher alcohol strengths and unique cask finishes that highlight different aspects of the distillery’s versatile spirit.

Expect oily textures, complex fruit notes ranging from citrus to tropical, and sometimes subtle wine-influenced characteristics – bottles for those who really want to dive into the details of this underappreciated distillery.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Glentauchers is primarily a production facility and is not regularly open to the public for tours. However, special arrangements can sometimes be made for dedicated enthusiasts.

For those interested in experiencing the spirit of Glentauchers, seeking out tastings at specialist whisky bars or through whisky societies offers a more accessible alternative to visiting the physical distillery.

Frequently asked questions

What is Glentauchers?

Glentauchers is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery that produces spirit with a focus on elegance, fruitiness, and versatility. Their approach combines traditional Scottish distilling methods with careful maturation to create a distinctive house style that has been valued by blenders for generations.

Where is Glentauchers located?

The distillery is located just outside the town of Keith in Moray, Scotland, in the heart of Speyside whisky country. The surrounding gentle landscape and climate play important roles in both the distillery’s water source and maturation conditions.

What characterizes Glentauchers whisky?

Glentauchers is especially known for its light, fruity spirit character with notes of apples, pears, honey, and delicate floral elements. Each bottling bears the hallmark of careful handling and a clear identity, with a particularly smooth and often oily mouthfeel being a signature characteristic.

Where can I buy whisky from Glentauchers?

You can find selected bottles from Glentauchers at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – both official releases and limited independent bottlings – to ensure you have access to something special from this understated Speyside gem.