Aultmore Distillery celebrates 125th anniversary with £15 million expansion
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THE Aultmore Distillery, based near Keith, has announced a £15 million expansion plan to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
The investment, from owner Bacardi, will see the distillery double its production capacity by spring 2024.
This will be achieved with the addition of fermenters, pot-stills and infrastructure.
The plan will also see a new heat-recovering system installed which will reduce the distillery's energy usage and carbon footprint.
The well-loved single malt whisky has gained global recognition since the distillery was founded by local businessman Alexander Edward in 1897.
And, to further celebrate 125 years of whisky production at the distillery, a limited edition bottling of Aultmore single malt whisky - 'AULTMORE Anniversary Edition' - will go on sale exclusively at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery and online in the coming weeks.
The expansion plans come as the growing popularity of premium Scotch whiskies sees worldwide demand increase.
The Bacardi portfolio of single malt whiskies, which includes Aultmore, is particularly popular in Asia, where it has grown by 30 per cent over the last five years.
Ross Bremner, Distillery Manager at Aultmore Distillery, said: "Aultmore Distillery has a long history and association with quality spirit, and the success of our single malt is a testament to those past and present who have played their part in crafting it.
"As we get started on our exciting expansion plans to increase production, it’s an honour for those of us here today to play an integral part in the future of this beautiful whisky."
The distillery has been part of Bacardi for almost 25 years.
Niall Mitchell, Vice President Supply Chain at Bacardi, added: "We have an incredibly skilled and innovative team here in Scotland and we are so proud of the success of the whisky portfolio we produce.
"As more and more people around the world discover and fall in love with these drinks, we are investing in their growth for the long-term."
