Scotch’s Spiritual Home Distills its First Whisky in a Long Time

Given that it will take at least three years for this spirit to mature enough to be called Scotch whisky, one might think the distillery would be producing some kind of white spirit like gin or sourcing other whisky to help keep the lights on. Not entirely the case at Lindores – plans called for producing of a special aqua vitae, initially for sale exclusively at their visitor center. Taking what is said to be “inspiration from the provenance of the original brewing and agriculture of the Abbey grounds,” the spirit will contain herbs and spices which would have grown on this site in 1494.

“Distilling the first spirit at Lindores Abbey in more than 500 years is such an honour,” said Haggart in a prepared statement, “and with this innovative and world-class distillery behind me, it’s now the task of the team here to produce a Scotch Whisky worthy of its spiritual home. We’re looking forward to that challenge, using all of the expertise and passion Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith have garnered from across the industry, and it will be our pleasure to welcome whisky pilgrims through our doors to share in the spirit of this unique place.”