Macduff distillery

Introduction to Macduff

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Macduff is a Scottish Highland distillery that gracefully combines traditional craftsmanship with subtle modern touches. Nestled on the eastern edge of Speyside near the coastal town of Banff, this distillery has carved out a reputation for producing characterful whiskies that showcase the best of Highland spirit.

Though less prominent in the spotlight than some of its neighbors, Macduff’s whiskies (often bottled under the name “The Deveron”) offer a distinctive profile that reflects its unique position between the mountains and the sea.

Why we have a soft spot for Macduff

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that maintain their individuality in an increasingly homogenized whisky landscape. Macduff stands out for its distinctive production methods, including unusually shaped stills and worm tub condensers that contribute to a robust, slightly nutty spirit character.

The distillery’s location where the river Deveron meets the North Sea creates a unique microclimate that influences maturation, resulting in whiskies with a captivating balance of fruity sweetness and subtle maritime influence.

The History behind Macduff

Origin and development

Macduff Distillery was established in 1960, making it relatively young by Scottish whisky standards. It was built during a period of industry expansion by a consortium of businessmen led by Brodie Hepburn, who saw potential in creating a new distillery near the historic fishing town of Banff.

The distillery changed hands several times throughout its history, passing through ownership by William Lawson Distillers, DCL (now Diageo), and finally finding its home with Bacardi-owned John Dewar & Sons in 1993, where it remains today.

Despite these transitions, Macduff has maintained a consistent production philosophy focused on creating fruity, accessible Highland malts.

The people behind

Today, Macduff operates under the stewardship of John Dewar & Sons’ master blenders and distillery managers who uphold the distinct character that has defined this distillery for over six decades. The team balances tradition with subtle innovation, ensuring each expression reflects both the distillery’s heritage and the natural environment of its coastal Highland location.

Their expertise has been instrumental in establishing The Deveron single malts as respected offerings within the Dewar’s portfolio, showcasing the unique qualities of this somewhat under-the-radar distillery.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Macduff begins with quality Scottish barley, which undergoes a relatively long fermentation period of around 75 hours – longer than many distilleries. This extended fermentation helps develop additional fruity esters and complexity in the spirit.

Distillation takes place in the distillery’s five uniquely shaped stills – three wash stills and two spirit stills – with unusual flat tops and descending lyne arms. These distinctive stills, combined with worm tub condensers (rather than the more common shell-and-tube condensers), create a fuller-bodied spirit with nutty, slightly sulfurous notes that develop into rich fruit character during maturation.

Maturation and aging

Maturing primarily in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Macduff whisky develops a honeyed sweetness that complements its fruity distillery character. The coastal location provides a temperate climate with sea air influence, contributing subtle maritime notes to the maturing spirit.

While the official bottlings are released under The Deveron name, many independent bottlers release casks under the Macduff name, often showcasing single cask expressions that highlight the distillery’s intrinsic character in its purest form.

Selected Products from Macduff

The Deveron 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This official bottling serves as an excellent entry point to understanding Macduff’s distinctive profile. Notes of crisp green apple, honey, and malt biscuits are complemented by a hint of coastal influence and subtle spice. Its smooth, approachable character makes it a favorite for both newcomers and experienced whisky enthusiasts looking for an elegant Highland dram.

Independent Macduff bottlings – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking to explore deeper expressions of Macduff’s character, independent bottlings offer fascinating alternatives. These often feature higher strengths and natural presentation, revealing dimensions of waxy fruits, nutmeg, subtle chocolate, and occasionally surprising tropical notes. Each independent bottling offers a unique window into this distillery’s versatile spirit.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

While Macduff is primarily a production facility rather than a visitor attraction, whisky enthusiasts can explore the region around Banff and the Deveron Valley to get a sense of the landscape that influences the whisky. The nearby coastline and rolling hills provide context for the balanced character found in The Deveron single malts.

Those interested in experiencing the distillery’s output should look for tasting events featuring official bottlings or independent Macduff expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macduff?

Macduff is a Highland Scotch whisky distillery established in 1960, located near Banff in northeastern Scotland. It produces single malt whisky with a focus on accessible, fruit-forward profiles that balance sweetness with subtle coastal influence. Their official bottlings are released under the name “The Deveron,” named after the river that flows past the distillery into the North Sea.

Where is Macduff located?

The distillery is situated on the eastern fringe of the Speyside region in Banff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Its location at the mouth of the River Deveron, where it meets the North Sea, contributes to both the character of the spirit during maturation and the distillery’s identity.

What characterizes Macduff whisky?

Macduff is particularly known for its fruity, accessible character with notes of green apples, honey, and malted biscuits, balanced by subtle nutty undertones. The distinctive production method using unusual still shapes and worm tub condensers creates a medium-bodied spirit that develops complexity during maturation while maintaining approachability. The coastal influence adds a subtle maritime dimension to many expressions.

Where can I buy whisky from Macduff?

You can find selected bottles from Macduff at Vault of Spirits. We hand-select the best expressions – including both official releases under The Deveron name and special independent bottlings labeled as Macduff – to ensure you have access to the most interesting representations of this distinctive Highland distillery.