Caorunn Gin Tours
Travel Distilled tells you what you need to know about Caorunn Gin tours, with a history of the Balmenach Distillery on Speyside where Caorunn Gin is made.
Balmenach Distillery, located in Scotland’s Speyside region, is one of the country’s oldest and most storied distilleries, and also now home to Caorunn Gin. Established in 1824 by James McGregor, a local farmer, the distillery has a rich history rooted in Scotland’s whisky-making traditions.
Balmenach was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland, operating during a time when illicit distillation was still widespread. Its name, derived from Gaelic, means “middle settlement,” reflecting its location in the Cromdale Hills near the River Spey.
History of Belmenach Distillery
For much of its history, Balmenach focused on producing single malt Scotch whisky, known for its robust, full-bodied character with notes of honey, spice, and fruit. The distillery’s traditional methods, including the use of wooden washbacks and copper pot stills, have been preserved over the years, ensuring the quality and authenticity of its spirits. In 1922, Balmenach became part of the Distillers Company Limited (DCL), and later, it was acquired by Inver House Distillers in the 1990s.
Caorunn Gin
While Balmenach is primarily known for its whisky, it gained modern recognition for producing Caorunn Gin, a premium Scottish gin launched in 2009. Caorunn (pronounced “ka-roon”) is crafted using a unique combination of traditional botanicals and five locally foraged Celtic ingredients: rowan berry, coul blush apple, heather, bog myrtle, and dandelion.
The gin is distilled in a small copper pot still named “The Balmenach Still,” which adds to its distinctive character. Caorunn has won numerous awards and is celebrated for its smooth, balanced flavor profile.
Caorunn Gin Tours
Balmenach didn’t offer tours in the past, but that changed when Caorunn burst onto the market. Tours are now available which focus on the gin production, and you’ll also visit the Caorunn Botanical Garden to see which of the gin’s botanicals can be grown locally. You’ll also discover why Caorunn is best enjoyed with a slice of apple.
Balmenach is in quite a remote Speyside setting, so there’s the scenery to enjoy too. There’s also a gift shop where you can buy a personalized bottle of Caorunn Gin for yourself or as a present for someone special. Oh, and you can of course taste samples of the original Caorunn Gin and some of the flavoured gins they also now produce. We highly recommend the raspberry!
Contact Information
– Address: Balmenach Distillery, Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray, PH26 3PF, Scotland
– Phone Number: +44 (0) 1479 874300
– Website: caorunngin.com
– Facebook: facebook.com/caorunngin
– X: x.com/CaorunnGin
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