23 June 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has opened Chivas Brothers’ new £25m distillery.

Dalmunach Distillery, named after the nearby pool in the River Spey on whose banks the new facility sits, was officially opened by the First Minister, Laurent Lacassagne, CEO of Chivas Brothers and Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard Group.

She said:

“Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s iconic brands and is in huge demand all over the globe due to the exceptional quality the industry produces. It is hugely important to the Scottish economy and its protected EU status means it has an unmatched international reputation.

“The Dalmunach Distillery is one of 115 across Scotland and it is a sign of continued investment from Chivas Brothers. It’s also fitting that this facility opens in the Year of Food and Drink as we celebrate and promote the magnificence of our natural larder.

“We want to work with firms to sustain and build on the success the industry enjoys – this distillery will play its part in that and will also contribute to the continued growth of Scotland’s economy as a whole.”

The First Minister also met modern apprentices Scott Edwards and Brett McKenzie and Lisa Glen, who works at the distillery.

Situated on the site of the former Imperial Distillery, Dalmunach has been built using the latest environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology. It is the most energy efficient distillery with Chivas Brothers’ portfolio.

Dalmunach is capable of producing up to 10 million litres per year. Every element of the distillery design, including the unique still shapes, has been geared to producing the very highest quality Speyside malt whisky.