Mannochmore distillery

Introduction to Mannochmore

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Mannochmore is a Speyside Scottish distillery that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency. Located near Elgin in Moray, this relatively young distillery has built a reputation for producing quality single malt whiskies with distinctive character and complexity. Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s most densely populated whisky region, Mannochmore offers a unique expression of Speyside style.

Operating in an unusual cyclical production schedule alternating with its neighbor Glenlossie, Mannochmore represents an interesting approach to whisky production that is rarely seen elsewhere in Scotland.

Why we have a soft spot for Mannochmore

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create unique whiskies with distinctive profiles. Mannochmore stands out for its unusual production schedule and for being the original home of the infamous black Loch Dhu whisky – one of the most polarizing expressions ever created in the Scotch whisky world.

We’re particularly drawn to Mannochmore’s official bottlings that showcase its light, grassy character with subtle fruit notes that develop beautifully with age, as well as independent bottlings that reveal unexpected dimensions of this often-overlooked distillery.

The History of Mannochmore

Origin and development

Mannochmore was founded in 1971 by John Haig & Co., making it a relatively modern addition to the Speyside landscape. The distillery was built adjacent to the existing Glenlossie distillery, with which it shares water sources and some facilities.

Unlike many Scottish distilleries with centuries of history, Mannochmore was designed specifically to meet increasing demand for blended Scotch whisky in the late 20th century. Its primary purpose was to provide malt whisky for the Haig blends, particularly Dimple.

In 1992, the distillery gained notoriety for producing Loch Dhu, marketed as “The Black Whisky,” which became one of the most controversial Scotch whiskies ever released due to its unusual color and divisive flavor profile.

The people behind

Today, Mannochmore is owned by drinks giant Diageo, operating under their extensive portfolio of Scottish distilleries. The production team shares expertise with neighboring Glenlossie, creating an interesting symbiotic relationship between the two facilities.

The master blenders at Diageo have played a crucial role in defining Mannochmore’s place in their portfolio, particularly through its inclusion in the Flora & Fauna series and occasional special releases that showcase the distillery’s true character.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Mannochmore begins with quality Scottish barley, often from the surrounding fertile farmlands of Moray. The distillery uses a semi-lauter mash tun and six stainless steel washbacks for fermentation, with fermentation times slightly longer than average, contributing to the spirit’s fruity profile.

Distillation occurs in three pairs of stills – three wash stills and three spirit stills – which are relatively tall with reflux-encouraging designs. This setup helps create Mannochmore’s characteristic light, clean spirit with subtle complexity.

Interestingly, the distillery operates on an unusual schedule, producing whisky for just half the year while Glenlossie operates for the other half – a unique arrangement in the Scotch whisky industry that dates back to the 1980s.

Maturation and aging

Aging primarily takes place in ex-bourbon American oak casks, which complement the light, fruity distillery character by adding vanilla sweetness and subtle spice. Some expressions also benefit from time in European oak sherry casks, which add richer dimensions of dried fruit and chocolate notes.

The Speyside climate, with its moderate temperatures and humidity, allows for a balanced maturation process. Mannochmore whiskies typically develop interesting floral and herbal notes during aging, alongside the more expected fruit and malt characteristics.

Selected Products from Mannochmore

Mannochmore 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna – An introduction to the house style

This official bottling at 43% ABV is the perfect entry point to understand Mannochmore’s distillery character. Notes of fresh green apples, citrus zest, and sweet malt are balanced by subtle herbal notes and light vanilla from the bourbon casks. The palate is light to medium-bodied with a clean, slightly drying finish that leaves a pleasing malty sweetness.

This expression showcases the elegant, restrained style that has made Mannochmore a valued component in prestigious blends while standing confidently as a single malt in its own right.

Mannochmore Special Releases – An experience for connoisseurs

Periodically featured in Diageo’s annual Special Releases, these rare expressions of Mannochmore (often aged 18+ years) reveal the hidden depths of this distillery. Expect a more complex profile with increased viscosity, developed fruit notes of peach and apricot, elegant oak influence, and subtle spice notes that linger on the finish.

These limited editions are often bottled at cask strength and without chill filtration, offering whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Mannochmore in its most authentic and intense form.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Unfortunately, Mannochmore is not regularly open to the public for tours, as it primarily operates as a production facility for Diageo’s blended whiskies. Occasionally, special arrangements can be made for industry professionals or during rare special events.

For whisky enthusiasts looking to experience the Speyside region, many neighboring distilleries do offer excellent visitor experiences and can provide context for understanding Mannochmore’s place in the Speyside whisky landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mannochmore?

Mannochmore is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery founded in 1971, located near Elgin in Scotland. It produces malt whisky primarily for Diageo’s blended whiskies like Haig and Dimple, though occasional single malt releases showcase its light, fruity character with herbal undertones and subtle complexity.

Where is Mannochmore located?

The distillery is located just south of Elgin in Moray, Scotland, in the heart of Speyside. It shares its site with Glenlossie distillery, with both operations drawing water from the same source – the Bardon Burn – which contributes to their distinctive profiles.

What characterizes Mannochmore whisky?

Mannochmore is known for producing a relatively light and grassy malt with notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle herbs. Official bottlings tend to have a clean, slightly sweet character, while older expressions or independent bottlings can reveal more complex dimensions with developed fruit notes and elegant oak influence. The distillery is also infamous for once producing Loch Dhu, one of the most distinctive and controversial dark whiskies ever released.

Where can I buy whisky from Mannochmore?

You can find selected bottles from Mannochmore at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both official releases and interesting independent bottlings from this underappreciated distillery. While not among the most famous Speyside names, Mannochmore offers excellent value and surprising complexity that reward the curious whisky enthusiast.