Invergordon distillery

Introduction to Invergordon

A distillery with a passion for grain whisky

Invergordon is a Highland grain whisky distillery, situated on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in Scotland. As one of the largest grain distilleries in Scotland, Invergordon plays a crucial role in the whisky industry by producing high-quality grain whisky that forms the backbone of many renowned blended Scotch whiskies. The distillery combines industrial efficiency with meticulous attention to detail, creating spirits that showcase both consistency and character.

Located in Easter Ross, the distillery benefits from the pristine Highland water sources and the temperate coastal climate that influences maturation. While not as widely known to casual whisky drinkers as many malt distilleries, Invergordon is highly respected within the industry for its reliable production and the quality of its grain spirit.

Why we have a soft spot for Invergordon

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that excel in their craft, even when they operate somewhat behind the scenes. Invergordon stands out for its exceptional single grain whiskies, which when given appropriate aging time, develop remarkable complexity and depth that can rival many single malts.

What particularly draws us to Invergordon is the opportunity it presents to experience well-aged grain whisky as an independent category worthy of attention. When bottled as single cask expressions, especially those with significant age statements, Invergordon reveals a sweet, creamy character with delicate wood influence that creates a truly sophisticated drinking experience.

The History behind Invergordon

Origin and development

Invergordon Distillery was established in 1960 as part of the post-war expansion of the Scotch whisky industry. It was built in the industrial port town of Invergordon, primarily to supply grain whisky for the growing blended Scotch market. The location was strategically chosen for its excellent harbor facilities, allowing easy transportation of raw materials and finished products.

Over the decades, the distillery has gone through several ownership changes, including Whyte & Mackay and currently Emperador Inc., who acquired it in 2014. Throughout these transitions, Invergordon has maintained its position as a vital producer of grain whisky, continuously expanding and modernizing its facilities to meet growing demand.

The people behind

The distillery is operated by a team of skilled professionals who combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of grain whisky production. These individuals might not receive the same recognition as master distillers at famous malt distilleries, but their precision and attention to detail ensure that Invergordon consistently delivers high-quality spirit for both blending purposes and independent bottlings.

The production team at Invergordon balances the industrial scale of operations with a craftsman’s eye for quality, monitoring each stage of the process to maintain the distillery’s high standards.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Unlike malt whisky, which uses only malted barley, Invergordon primarily uses maize (corn) and wheat in its mash bill, creating a lighter style of spirit. The production process employs continuous distillation using column stills, also known as Coffey or patent stills, which allow for efficient, high-volume production while maintaining consistent quality.

The column still process produces a higher-strength, cleaner spirit than pot still distillation, resulting in a lighter whisky that serves as an excellent canvas for long-term maturation. This process also makes grain whisky more cost-effective to produce, though the best expressions still require considerable aging to develop their full potential.

Maturation and aging

Maturation at Invergordon typically takes place in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which impart vanilla, coconut, and sweet caramel notes to the spirit. The distillery maintains extensive warehousing facilities where casks can rest for decades, allowing the grain whisky to develop remarkable complexity with age.

Some of the most celebrated Invergordon expressions are those that have been aged for 30, 40, or even 50+ years. During this extended maturation, the initially light spirit transforms, gaining depth, richness, and sophistication while maintaining the characteristic smoothness of grain whisky.

Selected Products from Invergordon

Independent Bottlings – The true showcase of character

Since Invergordon rarely releases official bottlings under its own name, the distillery’s character is primarily experienced through independent bottlers. These single cask releases often showcase whisky aged for two decades or more, revealing notes of vanilla, toffee, coconut, and delicate spice, with a silky, creamy mouthfeel that makes them exceptionally approachable.

For those new to grain whisky, well-aged Invergordon offers an accessible yet sophisticated entry point, with its natural sweetness and lack of peat smoke making it particularly appealing to those developing their palate.

Vintage Expressions – A journey through time

Some of the most sought-after Invergordon releases are those from specific vintage years, especially from the 1960s and 1970s. These rare bottlings offer not only exceptional whisky but also a taste of history, capturing the production methods and quality of grain from decades past.

Expect rich, honeyed notes, tropical fruits, polished oak influence, and a luxurious velvety texture in these older expressions – characteristics that demonstrate how high-quality grain whisky can evolve into truly world-class spirit with sufficient time in wood.

Visiting the Distillery

Industrial operations

Unlike many malt distilleries that welcome visitors with open arms, Invergordon operates as an industrial facility and is not generally open for public tours. Its focus remains on efficient production rather than tourism, which is common for larger grain distilleries.

For whisky enthusiasts interested in experiencing Invergordon’s character, the best approach is to explore the various independent bottlings available from specialist retailers and at whisky festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Invergordon?

Invergordon is a grain whisky distillery located in the Scottish Highlands. It produces whisky primarily for blends but is also recognized for high-quality grain whisky that’s bottled by independent bottlers as single grain Scotch whisky. The distillery uses column stills rather than the pot stills found in malt distilleries, creating a lighter, smoother spirit.

Where is Invergordon located?

The distillery is situated in the port town of Invergordon on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. This industrial location provides excellent logistics for receiving raw materials and shipping finished products, while still benefiting from access to quality Scottish water sources.

What characterizes Invergordon whisky?

Invergordon is known for producing a light, sweet grain whisky that develops remarkable complexity with age. Typical flavor notes include vanilla, toffee, coconut, honey, and orchard fruits, complemented by a smooth, creamy texture. When aged for extended periods (20+ years), it can develop rich, tropical fruit notes and exceptional depth while maintaining its characteristic smoothness.

Where can I buy whisky from Invergordon?

You can find selected bottles from Invergordon at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate exceptional independent bottlings of this grain whisky, focusing particularly on well-aged expressions that showcase the full potential of this sometimes overlooked style. Both regular releases and limited single casks are available, giving you access to some truly special drinking experiences.