Speyburn Distillery
While scouting for the perfect location to establish his distillery, John Hopkins discovered the Granty Burn - an untouched freshwater stream of astonishing clarity nestled in a tree lined Speyside valley.
Seeing the abundant salmon and trout, he knew that the exceptionally pure water of this burn, rich in natural fortifying minerals, would produce a remarkably smooth whisky with a refreshing character. Hopkins trusted his intuition and built the Speyburn distillery right there in the glen, using authentic river stones from the bed of the fast-flowing River Spey itself. Over 125 years after its founding, Speyburn remains the only distillery to use the pure, crystal-clear water of the Granty Burn.
Address:
- Rothes, Aberlour, Banffshire AB38 7AG
Situated in the picturesque town of Rothes at the heart of the Speyside Whisky Trail. This distillery is included as part of our South Speyside Tour.
Opening Hours:
- Monday- Saturday 10am-4.30pm
Podcast:
In the March 2024 episode we spoke to Lukasz Dynowiak, Global Brand Ambassador at International Beverages.
Due to his role, Lukasz finds himself in the fortunate position of working with some amazing distilleries including Balblair, Pulteney, Speyburn and Knockdhu and so it will come as no surprise that there was plenty for himself and David to chat about. Listen as they delve into the history of each distillery with Lukasz explaining what it is that makes each of their malts so distinctive. Lukasz certainly has plenty of great stories to tell, so sit back relax and prepare to be fascinated…
Experiences:
DRUMS, DRAMS AND DUNNAGE TOUR £30
First, we’ll explore the lower floor of our Drum Maltings – a work of engineering art, and a first for Scotch Whisky. Another first: our original 10-tonne ‘Boby’ mill. It’s kept us in ground barley for well over a century. Then the wooden wash backs of the mash house. If we’re busy with a fermentation, you’ll know (and smell) all about it. Next, outside to the worm tubs: most distilleries abandoned this craft long ago. Find out why we’ve held on.
The main event? The still room, with the largest wash still in Moray, alongside our ‘onion’ stills. Together they give Speyburn its character: light, fruity, smooth – and with body to spare.
In the dunnage warehouse, everything slows down. Stone walls. Earthen floor. Casks stacked in the dark. The angels sipping their share.
Then the tasting room, where you’ll sit at benches and tables made from our old wooden wash backs. The perfect place to get your nose (and taste buds) into some drams that speak for themselves.
Duration: 1hr 15mins
HOPKINS: BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR £75
Everything on the Drums, Drams and Dunnage tour – and then some. This tour goes further to uncover the details and flavours that matter. Just like its namesake, our founder, John Hopkins.
The big difference: you’ll explore all three floors of the drum maltings, not just the lower level. It was here, in 1967, that we turned off the lights and locked the doors. Today, the maltings are almost exactly as we left them, including barley from that last batch. As if time stood still.
You’ll also get the full measure of our tun room. In the middle of a fermentation, you’ll know all about it: a hot, brooding storm that’s alive with potential – lid up, wort bubbling, nature hard at work.
After the worm tubs and still house, we’ll enjoy a dram in the dunnage warehouse. Then on to the snug: wing-back chairs by the fire, more drams from the Speyburn range, including one you won't find outside these walls.
And a complimentary Speyburn glass to raise to John Hopkins when you get home.
Duration: 1 hour 45 mins
