Millburn distillery

Introduction to Millburn

A lost Highland gem

Millburn was a Highland distillery located in Inverness, Scotland, whose legacy continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Despite its closure decades ago, Millburn remains an important part of Scotland’s whisky heritage, representing an era of traditional distilling that has largely disappeared from the modern landscape.

The distillery’s output was limited even during its operational years, making bottles from Millburn increasingly rare and sought-after treasures for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Why we have a special appreciation for Millburn

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that have contributed something truly distinctive to the world of whisky. Millburn represents a vanished style of Highland whisky-making that can never be replicated.

The distillery’s unique production methods and specific character offer a fascinating glimpse into whisky history, with each surviving bottle serving as a time capsule of traditional Scottish distilling arts.

The History behind Millburn

Origin and development

Millburn was established in 1807 in the town of Inverness, originally starting life as a mill before being converted to whisky production. It was one of the three “Inverness distilleries” alongside Glen Albyn and Glen Mhor, collectively known as the “Inverness trio.”

The distillery changed hands several times throughout its history, eventually becoming part of Distillers Company Limited (DCL), a precursor to Diageo. Despite surviving two world wars and numerous challenges in the whisky industry, Millburn couldn’t withstand the widespread distillery closures of the 1980s.

In 1985, Millburn was permanently closed, with its buildings later converted into a restaurant. Today, nothing remains of the original production facilities, making its whisky even more precious as a finite resource.

The people behind

Throughout its history, Millburn benefited from the expertise of numerous master distillers and workers who maintained the traditional Highland distilling methods. Their dedication to craft is evident in the quality of the remaining bottles from this lost distillery.

The final distilling team at Millburn carried generations of knowledge that, unfortunately, couldn’t be transferred to new facilities when the distillery closed – a reminder of how much artisanal knowledge can be lost when historic distilleries disappear.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Millburn utilized traditional methods in its whisky production, including local Scottish barley and the crystal-clear waters from the nearby Loch Ness watershed. The distillery operated with relatively small stills that contributed to a distinctive, robust spirit character.

The distillation took place in copper pot stills with a unique design featuring sloping lyne arms, which created increased copper contact and contributed to the whisky’s distinctive flavor profile. The relatively slow distillation process allowed for greater development of character in the spirit.

Maturation and aging

Millburn’s whisky primarily matured in traditional oak casks, many of which were former sherry butts that imparted rich, fruity characteristics to the spirit. The Highland climate of Inverness, with its moderate temperature fluctuations, created ideal conditions for steady, balanced maturation.

The warehouses at Millburn were traditional dunnage-style, with thick stone walls that maintained consistent humidity and temperature – factors that contributed to the exceptional quality of its aged expressions.

Selected products from Millburn

Rare Malts Selection – A glimpse into whisky history

One of the more accessible ways to experience Millburn is through the Rare Malts Selection releases from the 1990s. These bottles, often with high ABV and aged 22-35 years, showcase the distillery’s character with notes of orange peel, honey, and spice, complemented by a distinctive waxy texture that was characteristic of many Highland malts of the era.

Independent bottlings – Preserving a lost treasure

Various independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, and Duncan Taylor have released Millburn expressions over the years. These bottles often display remarkable complexity with layers of orchard fruits, warming spices, and subtle floral notes underpinned by a gentle earthiness – a true collector’s experience representing a whisky-making tradition that can never be replicated.

Visiting the distillery

Historical site

While the distillery itself no longer exists, whisky enthusiasts visiting Inverness can still find the location where Millburn once stood. The former distillery buildings were converted into a restaurant called “The Millburn,” allowing visitors to dine in the same space where this legendary whisky was once produced.

The historical significance of the site makes it a meaningful stop for those tracing the heritage of Highland whisky production, even though the stills and production equipment are long gone.

Frequently asked questions

What was Millburn?

Millburn was a Highland whisky distillery located in Inverness, Scotland, operational from 1807 until its closure in 1985. It was one of the three “Inverness distilleries” and produced a distinctive style of Highland single malt whisky characterized by fruity notes, subtle spice, and a waxy texture.

Where was Millburn located?

The distillery was situated on the eastern outskirts of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Its location near both the Moray Firth and the Great Glen gave it access to excellent water sources and positioned it within Scotland’s historic whisky-making regions.

What characterizes Millburn whisky?

Millburn whisky is known for its medium-bodied character with distinctive notes of orchard fruits, honey, and baking spices. Many expressions display a characteristic waxy mouthfeel common to traditional Highland malts, along with subtle floral notes and a gentle earthiness in the finish. The distillery’s use of traditional production methods created a profile that’s noticeably different from modern Highland whiskies.

Where can I buy whisky from Millburn?

You can find selected bottles from Millburn at Vault of Spirits. We carefully source these rare expressions – both from official Rare Malts releases and respected independent bottlers – to offer you a chance to experience this vanished piece of whisky heritage. Due to their scarcity, Millburn bottles represent not only exceptional whisky but also valuable collectors’ items.