Whisky production has returned to the Cabrach Distillery after nearly two centuries.

 

The first distillation of Cabrach whisky in more than 170 years has been marked with an exclusive ceremony, attended by Kate Forbes, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for economy and Gaelic.

 

With more than 100 guests in attendance, the first distillation of the new spirit took place at Inverharroch Farm, within restored 19th century stone steadings. The Cabrach Trust’s community-led regeneration plan will also aid the development of a bistro and heritage centre alongside the distillery.

 

During the ceremony, Forbes inspected the distillery stillhouse, before delivering a speech in the dunnage warehouse and reflecting on the project and its economic impact.

 

The Cabrach Distillery is a social enterprise, aspiring to meet the social and environmental standards and creating skilled employment alongside volunteering opportunities. All future profits generated by the distillery are used to further progress the Cabrach Trust’s regeneration vision.

 

Jonathan Christie, CEO of The Cabrach Trust, said: “Our first distillation represents a long-awaited, landmark milestone in our journey to revive the lost spirit of The Cabrach. This is a project that will serve as the economic lungs of our regeneration vision for this special place, attracting thousands of visitors to the area, captivated by the incredible history and timeless landscapes of The Cabrach.

 

“It has been a privilege to share this occasion with the Deputy First Minister, and we greatly appreciate the Scottish Government’s continued support of our mission. The wild spirit of The Cabrach will now be filled into fine casks to begin its patient maturation which, in time, will culminate in the release of The Cabrach Single Malt Scotch Whisky.”

 

In attendance, Forbes added: “The Cabrach Distillery was one of the first projects to secure monies from the Just Transition Fund, a £75 million Scottish Government initiative to create jobs and support innovation across the North East and Moray. As a social enterprise and whisky distillery it’s a unique part of the vibrant food and drink sector which makes a valuable contribution to the national and local economies. Today’s ceremony signals the start of a new chapter for The Cabrach and its ambitions to be a leading example of community-led, rural regeneration.”