Dallas Dhu Distillery will reopen, according to an announcement made by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) earlier this month.
The distillery was a victim of the 1980s Whisky Loch, which saw an overwhelming surplus of whisky during a slump in demand, and forced many distilleries to close. Such distilleries included Brora, Hillside, and the recently re-opened Port Ellen.
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Dallas Dhu itself ceased production in 1983 and was sold to HES. It was subsequently turned into a museum and a monument of 20th-century distillation.
Expected to fully reopen in 2025, the management of distillery operations has been awarded to Aceo Distillers Company, which will work on the establishment of a new bonded warehouse and distilling facilities.
In addition, HES will ensure that Dallas Dhu remains an historical and educational tourist destination, showcasing the rich history of distilling in the Speyisde region.
The Rarity of Dallas Dhu Single Malt Whisky
Industry excitement surrounding the reopening of Dallas Dhu is being bolstered by Whisky Auctioneer, which is offering old and rare bottles of Dallas Dhu in its July auction, which begins today (July 26th).
The auction house, based in Perth, Scotland, previously sold the oldest and rarest bottle of Dallas Dhu single malt ever brought to market – the Dallas Dhu 1921 Private Cask 64 Year Old #296.
The whisky was filled into the cask on 16th April 1921 and matured at the distillery for over six decades. It was sold at Whisky Auctioneer in 2021 for £15,500, and remains the only bottle ever brought to market.
This month’s auction will feature many rare bottles of Dallas Dhu single malt whisky. During its lifetime, Dallas Dhu was a key contributor to the Roderick Dhu blend and was rarely seen as a single malt. The most notable bottlers of single malt Dallas Dhu were Gordon & Macphail for Connoisseurs Choice and Diageo for the Rare Malts Selection.
A Different Kind of Reopening
Joe Wilson, Head Curator & Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, offered his thoughts on why the reopening of Dallas Dhu is a significant moment for the whisky industry:
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“While the resurrections of giants like Brora and Port Ellen were supported by annual limited releases, Dallas Dhu is a different case entirely. With only a handful of official releases, Dallas Dhu has a cult status among connoisseurs. Many contemporaries closed during the “whisky loch” are now demolished or repurposed, making its revival particularly special.
“Whisky Auctioneer is centred on the preservation of whisky and its history. We recognise the significance of Dallas Dhu’s previous role as a public heritage site and museum, and its return to operational glory underscores the value of such projects. The distillery and its whiskies, like the record-breaking 1921 vintage we sold in 2021, have always garnered significant interest within the whisky community. This new chapter in Dallas Dhu’s story is news that should excite everyone in the industry.”
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