Loch Lomond Whisky

Loch Lomond distillery information

The original Loch Lomond distillery was established by in 1814, in Arrochar near Loch Lomond. However, its’ distilling days were short-lived, as it closed in 1817.

The current Loch Lomond distillery was established by Littlemill Distillery Co. Ltd. in 1965, in Alexandria on the Southern side of the Loch from which the distillery takes its name. The owners of the company were Duncan Thomas and Barton Brands. At the time, the distillery produced two different brans of whisky: Inchmurrin and Rosdhu. In 1971, Barton Brands became the sole owner when Duncan Thomas sold his shares, forming Barton Distilling to run the distillery.

During the recession of the 1980s and the drop in whisky consumption that followed with it, a great many distilleries were forced to downscale production, or even close altogether. The Loch Lomond distillery was one of the ones to completely shut down, which they did in 1984. Ther following year, the distillery was obtained by Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd., who resumed production in 1987. In 1993, a Coffey still was installed in the distillery, which allows Loch Lomond to not only produce Single Malt, but also Grain whisky.

Speaking of stills, Loch Lomond has one of the strangest collection of stills in the industry. Apart from the regular pot stills (1 wash, 1 spirit), they also have 4 Lomond stills, and the above-mentioned Coffey still. The combination of these stills allow the distillery to produce a great range of different whiskies. It is also the only distillery in Scotland capable of producing both Single Malt and grain whisky at the same time.

If you happen to be a fan of the Tintin series, you might recognize Loch Lomond as Captain Haddock’s favorite brand.