Dalmunach distillery

Introduction to Dalmunach

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Dalmunach is a relatively new Scottish distillery that beautifully blends traditional whisky craftsmanship with innovative modern approaches. Located in the heart of Speyside, this architectural marvel stands proudly on the site of the former Imperial Distillery, carrying forward the whisky-making legacy of this storied location.

The distillery’s striking contemporary design is inspired by the rolling waves of the River Spey, which flows nearby and provides the essential water for whisky production.

Why we have a keen eye for Dalmunach

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that combine heritage with forward-thinking production methods, and Dalmunach exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. The distillery stands out for its impressive production capacity coupled with its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

We’re particularly intrigued by Dalmunach’s elegant spirit character – a testament to the careful planning that went into the distillery’s design and operation.

The story behind Dalmunach

Origin and development

Dalmunach was established in 2014 by Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Brothers, making it one of Scotland’s most modern distilleries. It was built on the site of the former Imperial Distillery, which operated from 1897 until its closure in 1998.

The name “Dalmunach” comes from the nearby pool in the River Spey, connecting the new facility to its geographical roots and the vital water source that gives Speyside whiskies their characteristic profile.

With an investment of approximately £25 million, the distillery represents Chivas Brothers’ confidence in the continued growth of Scotch whisky around the world.

The people behind

The distillery was designed under the guidance of master distillers with decades of experience in Scotch whisky production. The team at Dalmunach combines seasoned whisky experts with young talent, ensuring both traditional knowledge and fresh perspectives come together in the creation of their spirit.

The architectural design was entrusted to Archial Norr, who crafted a facility that references whisky history while embracing modern production techniques and environmental considerations.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Dalmunach begins with high-quality Scottish barley. The distillery boasts a semi-lauter mash tun, eight unique larch washbacks arranged in a circular pattern (mirroring the layout of the old Imperial Distillery), and eight copper pot stills designed to produce a characteristic light, fruity Speyside spirit.

The distillery’s annual production capacity is an impressive 10 million liters of alcohol, making it one of the most productive in Scotland. Yet despite this volume, quality control remains paramount at every stage of production.

Maturation and aging

The new make spirit from Dalmunach is primarily matured in a combination of first-fill and refill American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which impart vanilla, honey, and subtle spice notes to the developing whisky. Some casks are also transferred to European oak for finishing, adding layers of dried fruit and warm spice to the profile.

Aging takes place in traditional dunnage warehouses as well as more modern racked facilities, allowing the whisky to develop complexity while maintaining consistency across larger batches.

Selected products from Dalmunach

Dalmunach Single Malt – An introduction to the house style

As a relatively new distillery, Dalmunach’s own single malt releases are still emerging. However, independent bottlings from specialist companies offer enthusiasts an early glimpse into the distillery’s character. Expect a classic Speyside profile with notes of green apple, pear, vanilla, and gentle spice, underpinned by a light malty sweetness and a clean, elegant mouthfeel.

Dalmunach in blends – A crucial component

Much of Dalmunach’s production is destined for prestigious blended Scotch whiskies in the Chivas Brothers portfolio, including Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. Its light, fruity spirit adds complexity and balance to these world-renowned blends, showcasing how a modern distillery can honor traditional blending arts.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Currently, Dalmunach is not open to the public for regular tours, as it primarily functions as a production facility for Chivas Brothers’ blends. However, occasional special events and industry visits can be arranged through official channels.

Whisky enthusiasts can still appreciate the distillery’s architectural beauty from nearby public areas, and the picturesque Speyside region offers numerous other distilleries that welcome visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dalmunach?

Dalmunach is a modern Scotch whisky distillery located in Speyside, Scotland. Established in 2014 by Chivas Brothers, it combines cutting-edge production techniques with traditional Scottish whisky-making principles. The distillery is known for its impressive architectural design and commitment to sustainability.

Where is Dalmunach located?

The distillery is situated in Carron, Speyside, Scotland, on the site of the former Imperial Distillery. It sits along the banks of the River Spey, from which it draws water for production and takes inspiration for its wave-like architectural design.

What characterizes Dalmunach?

Dalmunach is characterized by its impressive modern production facility designed with both efficiency and environmental considerations in mind. The whisky itself presents a classic Speyside character – light, fruity, and elegant, with notes of orchard fruits, vanilla, and gentle spice. The distillery’s unique circular arrangement of washbacks and pot stills is a nod to traditional design while incorporating modern efficiencies.

Where can I buy whisky from Dalmunach?

While official distillery bottlings are still rare due to Dalmunach’s youth, select independent bottlings can be found at Vault of Spirits. We carefully source these limited releases to offer whisky enthusiasts a taste of this exciting distillery’s developing character. Most of Dalmunach’s production goes into prestigious blends, so experiencing its single malt is a relatively exclusive opportunity.