What is the history of Brora Distillery Beginnings as Clynelish

• The distillery was founded in 1819 in Brora (Highlands, Sutherland region) by the Duke of Sutherland as Clynelish Distillery.
• For most of the 19th and 20th centuries, it operated under that name, producing whisky in the “Highland style” – generally lighter and less peaty than Islay whiskies.
• Clynelish gained a solid reputation, and its whisky was highly valued in blends.

The Birth of “Old” Clynelish → Brora (1967–1969)

• In 1967, a modern new distillery was built next door (later known as Clynelish B).
• To distinguish the two, the original, older distillery began to be called Clynelish A.
• In 1969, the older site was renamed Brora to avoid confusion.

The Peat-Golden Era (1969–1983)

• From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, Brora produced heavily peated whiskies – similar in style to Islay – because the company DCL (now Diageo) needed peated spirit stocks for blends (e.g. Johnnie Walker).
• The most famous Brora vintages come from this period (especially 1972–1977), noted for their intense smoke, salt, animal, and mineral notes.
• Limited production combined with this distinctive style turned Brora into a legend.

Closure (1983)

• In the 1980s, Scotch whisky faced an overproduction crisis (the so-called “whisky loch”).
• In 1983, Brora was closed, while its younger neighbor Clynelish (B) continued production.
• The Brora buildings remained largely intact and were used as warehouses for decades, becoming a true “ghost distillery.”

Renaissance (2017–2024

• In 2017, Diageo announced the revival of both Port Ellen and Brora.
• After a massive £185 million investment, Port Ellen was rebuilt, preserving original historic features.
• The new distillery was equipped with two pairs of stills:
  • Phoenix Stills – faithful replicas of the originals.
  • Experimental Stills – designed for innovation and creating new flavor profiles.
• On 19 March 2024, Port Ellen officially resumed production after 40 years.

Port Ellen Today

• A symbol of the “ghost distillery” revival.
• Releases include ultra-limited editions, such as Port Ellen Gemini (44 YO) – a set of two bottles priced around £45,000.
• Port Ellen remains one of the world’s most prestigious and valuable single malt.
• Founded in 1898 in the Speyside region by Alexander Edward, a whisky entrepreneur also behind Aultmore and other distilleries.
• Originally named Dallasmore, it was sold in 1899 to Glasgow’s Wright & Greig and renamed

Dallas Dhu.

• Its whisky was mainly used in blends, especially the popular Roderick Dhu brand.

20th Century – Highs and Lows (1919–1983)

• After WWI, the distillery changed hands several times.
• In the 1930s, it was taken over by Scottish Malt Distillers (later DCL).
• Production was always modest – Dallas Dhu was a small distillery compared to other Speyside producers.
• In 1983, the whisky crisis (“whisky loch”) forced its closure, just like Brora and Port Ellen.

Museum Legacy (1986–2023)

• In 1986, the site was handed over to Historic Environment Scotland.
• Dallas Dhu became Scotland’s first “museum distillery,” where visitors could explore traditional whisky-making, though no production took place.
• It became a tourist attraction but remained silent in terms of spirit.

Revival (2024–…)

• In 2024, plans were announced to restart Dallas Dhu under the management of Aceo Distillers Co.
• The revival plan includes renovating buildings, developing a visitor center, and ultimately resuming single malt production.
• By 2025, Dallas Dhu rejoined the Spirit of Speyside Festival, hosting special tastings of historic bottlings.

Dallas Dhu Today!

• Still in the preparatory stages of restarting production.
• Functions as a tourist and educational site.
• If production returns, it will be one of the very few Speyside distilleries revived after decades of silence.

_ Summary:

• Brora – founded 1819, closed 1983, revived 2021; now luxury, exclusive whisky.
• Port Ellen – founded 1825, closed 1983, revived 2024; blends heritage with innovation.
• Dallas Dhu – founded 1898, closed 1983, museum from 1986, revival in progress since 2024.

Comparison of Distillery Histories and Revivals

| Distillery | Founded | Closure | Reason for Closure | Revival | Current Status | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Brora | 1819 (as Clynelish, renamed Brora 1969) | 1983 | Whisky overproduction crisis (“whisky loch”) | 2021 – reopened by Diageo after restoration | Producing again; exclusive bottlings (e.g. Brora Triptych, 44YO “Untold Depths”); luxury whisky | | Port Ellen | 1825 | 1983 | Overproduction crisis, high costs | 2024 – reopened after £185m investment | Producing; classic & experimental stills; limited editions (Gemini 44YO); among the most prestigious distilleries | | Dallas Dhu | 1898 (as Dallasmore, renamed 1899) | 1983 | Overproduction crisis | | |