Glen Garioch Distillery

Glen Garioch Distillery, pronounced "Geery" in the local Doric dialect, is one of Scotland's oldest operating whisky distilleries, founded in 1797 by brothers John and Alexander Manson in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Situated in the fertile "Valley of the Garioch," renowned for its high-quality barley, the distillery has a rich history marked by resilience and innovation. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Glen Garioch experienced several ownership changes. In 1884, it was acquired by JG Thomson & Co, and two years later, whisky baron William Sanderson became a significant stakeholder. Sanderson's influence led to Glen Garioch becoming a key component in the famous VAT 69 blend. 

The distillery faced challenges, including a suspension of production during World War II and a temporary closure in 1968 due to water shortages. A revival began in 1970 when Stanley P. Morrison purchased the distillery. Under his direction, a new water source, the "Silent Spring" of Coutens Farm, was discovered in 1972, allowing production to resume and expand.

In the 1970s, Glen Garioch implemented the innovative Greenhouse Project, utilizing waste heat from distillation to cultivate tomatoes and other produce, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

The distillery underwent further changes in the 1990s, including a brief closure in 1995 and reopening in 1997 with a shift to unpeated whisky. In 2021, owner Beam Suntory invested £6 million to restore traditional methods such as floor maltings and direct-fired stills, while also introducing energy-efficient technologies to reduce the carbon footprint by approximately 15%