The new owners of a Speyside distillery say they want to introduce a new generation to its single malt as they press ahead with plans to establish it as a global independent brand.
A selection of aged expressions from GlenAllachie, near Aberlour, is expected to be launched this year after it was acquired by whisky entrepreneurs Billy Walker, Trisha Savage and Graham Stevenson from Chivas Brothers.
Further plans by the consortium include developing the single malt and blended Scotch brands MacNair’s and White Heather, which they also took over, as a “premium, yet affordable” range for international markets.
The company intends to explore emerging markets as well as more established export targets including France, Germany and the US.
Mr Walker invested in GlenAllachie after he and his family sold their BenRiach Distillery Company and its three north-east distilleries, GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh, to US drink giant Brown-Forman in a deal worth £285million.
His long-term business partner Ms Savage worked with him at BenRiach, while Mr Stevenson was formerly managing director at Airdrie-based Inver House Distillers.
GlenAllachie, which was built in 1967 with four stills, sits within a 20-acre estate. It has warehouse stocks dating back to 1970, which will form the foundations for the brand’s development.
Mr Walker, who was named entrepreneur of the year at the 2016 Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards, said: “We are looking forward to bringing classic GlenAllachie single malt to a new generation and exploring how it can deliver new blends that can become the classics of the future. GlenAllachie is one of Speyside’s younger distilleries, yet we’re fortunate to have a substantial stock portfolio laid down ready for release.”
As part of its development, the distillery owners have appointed Richard Beattie as its operations director. Mr Beattie was previously director of distilling at Mossburn Distillers Ltd, the parent company of Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye and Akashi Distillery, in Japan.
He began his career as distillery manager at Speyside Scotch Malt Whisky Distillery and has almost 30 years’ experience in the industry. His past roles include distilling/technical sales director for Crisp Malting Group and business development director at Briggs of Burton, where he was involved in developing distilling projects in Scotland, Ireland and the US.
A fellow of the Institute of Brewers and Distillers, he is former chairman of the Scottish section of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
Mr Walker said: “Richard brings a wealth of experience and knowledge not only about whisky making itself but also understands the intricacies of distillery engineering and design.”
