CHIVAS Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has completed the construction of its new Speyside malt whisky distillery, reinforcing its long term growth prospects in the face of increased global demand for Scotch whisky. Production at the new distillery, commissioned by Chivas Brothers in 2012, will commence this month (October 2014).
Built using the latest innovations and environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology, the distillery is capable of producing up to ten million litres of high-quality Speyside style spirit per year to support the growing global demand for the bestselling blended whisky brands within Chivas Brothers’ portfolio, which includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute.
The new distillery, which is Chivas Brothers’ 14th operating malt whisky distillery, is named Dalmunach after the nearby pool in the River Spey on whose banks the distillery sits. It has already had a positive impact on the local economy with companies from the Speyside area heavily involved in the construction, while an additional eight permanent employees have joined the Chivas Brothers production team.
Every element of the distillery design, including the unique still shapes, has been geared to producing the very highest quality Speyside malt whisky with a rich, fruity character, a vital ingredient to the highest quality blended Scotch whiskies.
Laurent Lacassagne, chair and CEO of Chivas Brothers, comments: “As global demand for Scotch whisky increases year on year, our confidence in the long-term growth prospects for the category remains strong. The construction of the new Dalmunach distillery is a clear demonstration of our confidence and also of our commitment to invest to meet the significant growth potential.
“With their reputation for crafted excellence, our blended whiskies form a key part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio in both emerging economies and mature markets, so we believe the increased capacity which the new distillery will provide will help to drive the business forward in the years to come.”
The distillery architecture has been inspired by the shape of a sheaf of barley reflecting the core ingredient of single malt whisky. It houses eight unique copper pot stills, with a tulip shape used for the wash stills and an onion shape used for the spirit stills, replicating those from the Imperial distillery which was situated on the site until 2012. In a departure from distillery traditions, the stills have been positioned in a circular design that provides a unique aesthetic for the future.
Other original features from the previous distillery have been carefully incorporated to ensure a sense of heritage remains intact. Red brick from the original mill building has been reclaimed to create a feature wall in the new entrance area, and wood from the original washbacks has been used to form an entrance ‘drum’ and adorn the gable walls of the new tun room which contains 16 new stainless steel washbacks. A new 9.5m diameter mashtun has been installed which draws spring water for production from the site’s original distilling water sources.
Situated on the banks of the River Spey, the Dalmunach distillery will not be open to visitors but will be visible from the nearby Speyside Way walking trail. Great care has been taken to ensure the external façade of the distillery is in-keeping with its surrounding environment and the traditional architectural style of the region, thus providing an interesting and fitting new viewpoint for passers-by.
The construction of the distillery was managed from start to finish by Douglas Cruickshank, who stepped back from his role as Chivas Brothers’ production Ddrector last year to concentrate on the new build. The project is a fitting end to Cruickshank’s career prior to retirement which began at the age of 15 at the Imperial Distillery and has now come full circle as he restores distilling to the same location after a 16-year slumber.
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Notes to editors:
Contractors employed during the construction of Dalmunach Distillery:
Architects – Archial, Inverness
Robertsons Construction Northern ltd, Elgin – Main contractor
WR Simmers, Keith – Structural steel
Forsyths Ltd, Rothes – Copper (stills, condensers, safes)
LH Stainless Ltd, Keith – Process pipe work & vessels
Briggs of Burton Plc, Burton on Trent – Mash tun
Advanced Electrics Ltd, Keith – Electrical installation (ex. still house)
John McNicol & Co, Glasgow – Electrical installation (still house)
Buhler Ltd, London – Malt handling & milling equipment
Kerr Compressors Engineers Ltd, Glasgow – Compressed air equipment
Cochrane Ltd, Annan – Steam boilers
McCormacks, Rothes – Scaffolding
Blyth & Blyth, Glasgow – Civil Engineers
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
www.chivasbrothers.com
For further information please contact:
Tim McGuire
Richmond Towers Communications
Email: chivasbrothers@rt-com.com
Tel: 0207 388 7421
Jim Long
International PR manager – Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard
Email: jim.long@pernod-ricard.com
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Contact: Tim McGuire
Email: tim@rt-com.com
