History

The Glenrothes Distillery sits beside the Burn of Rothes in the heart of Speyside – the area of the Scottish Highlands universally acknowledged as the heartland of malt distillation. Our private spring, “The Fairies’ (or Lady’s) Well”, is in the nearby Glen of Dounie, and all the land surrounding this vital source is owned and protected by the distillery.

Distillation began at Glenrothes on Sunday, December 28th 1879. In 1896 the distillery was expanded as demand from blenders grew for this increasingly prized malt whisky. 100 years after the founding, new stills were installed, in 1979.

Since its opening, the distillery was recognised as one of the best; the whisky one of the most sought after on Speyside. The structure, flavour and body of The Glenrothes makes it a ‘top dresser’ or quality enhancer found at the heart of some of the world’s finest blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse. Expert distillers and blenders claim that it produces one of the finest and most accomplished of malt whiskies.

The distillery is not open to the general public although sometimes special guests are invited to Rothes House and to visit the distillery.