Balblair distillery

Balblair distillery stands beside the village of Edderton in Ross-shire’s rolling Highland landscape. Founded in 1790 by John Ross, it is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and the fourth oldest in Scotland. The water still comes from the original Ault Dearg burn, chosen in 1894 when the distillery was rebuilt closer to Edderton Railway Station. Charles C Doig designed the rebuilt plant but kept the historic water source rather than using a nearer burn. Today the distillery continues to draw its spirit from that same burn. The distillery’s archive begins with a ledger entry dated 25 January 1800, written by John Ross himself. In 1948 Robert Cumming expanded production, and in 1996 Inver House Distillers Limited took ownership. The site now produces 1.5 million litres of spirit each year, most of which goes into blends. After appearing in Ken Loach’s 2012 film The Angels’ Share, the old malting building was converted into a visitor centre and shop. Visitors start their tour in the former malting building, which now houses the shop and reception. The route takes in the still house and warehouses where the whisky is aged. Views stretch across the surrounding farmland and wooded hills. The shop sells the core range of age-statement single malts: 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25 years old.