Cragganmore distillery
Cragganmore distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery situated in the village of Ballindalloch in Banffshire, Scotland.
History
The distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith on land leased from Sir George Macpherson-Grant. The site was chosen by Smith both for its proximity to the waters of the Craggan burn and because it was close to the Strathspey Railway. The Strathspey Railway is now disused and forms the Speyside Way long-distance walking route. Smith was an experienced distiller, having already been manager of the Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Wishaw distilleries. The distillery is taken over by John's brother George and then by John's son Gordon.In 1923, after Gordon death, his widow Mary Jane takes over and finally sells it to the Cragganmore-Glenlivet Distillery Co., which is owned equally by Peter Mackie from White Horse and Ballindalloch Estate. Mackie sold his share to The [Distillers Company] but Macpherson-Grant family keeps its 50% ownership until 1965.
Cragganmore was marketed by United Distillers under their Classic Malts brand. in 1997, United Distillers, now renamed United Distillers & Vintners, become a part of Diageo.
The Whisky
The stills used in the second distillation of Cragganmore whisky are unique in having a flat top and being relatively short. The stills' shape has a definite effect on the taste and aroma of the whisky.Laura Vernon is the current master distiller.