Lindores Abbey Distillery

Lindores Abbey Distillery, acclaimed as the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon. Nestled on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, the Abbey hosted monarchs like David II, Edward I, and Robert the Bruce. Even Scotland's national hero, William Wallace, sought respite within its hallowed grounds.

The distillation legacy of Lindores Abbey began at least as early as 1494, when the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky took place – although it was probably happening long before then. The earliest written reference to Scotch whisky appears in the Exchequer Roll of 1494, naming Brother John Cor, a Lindores monk, who was commissioned by King James IV to turn eight ‘bolls’ of malt into Aqua Vitae (as Scotch whisky was known then). That equates to about 400 bottles.

Fast-forward to the modern era, and the fires in Lindores Abbey Distillery have been well and truly rekindled in 2017. Lindores is now not only a custodian of history but a beacon of innovation in whisky-making. Meticulously studying the techniques of Scottish distillers past and present, Lindores brings a modern approach to their ancient site, marrying centuries-old traditions with contemporary expertise.

The distillery's commitment to quality is evident in their production, as they were awarded Best New Make Spirit at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020, followed by a Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine and Spirits Challenge 2022 and a Double Gold at the World Spirits Competition 2022 for their first publicly released single malt, the Lindores MCDXCIV.

Each expression from Lindores Abbey Distillery is a testament to the distillery's dedication to excellence, drawing on the legacy of Brother John Cor and the Tironensian monks. From the self-evident quality of their whole range, from their New Make to the brilliant MCDXCIV to the Aqua Vita made in the same way as it was over 500 years ago, this little distillery’s modern story has only just begun.