GlenWyvis Distillery
GlenWyvis is the world’s first community-owned distillery, producing sustainable Highland single malt whisky and craft gin powered by renewable energy.
GlenWyvis Distillery occupies a unique and pioneering position within the landscape of Scottish spirit production. As the world’s first community-owned craft distillery, it represents a departure from the traditional corporate or family-owned models that have historically dominated the industry. Located in the shadow of the mighty Ben Wyvis mountain, the distillery is not only a producer of high-quality whisky and gin but also a testament to environmental sustainability and local empowerment.
It was established with a mission to bring distilling back to its home region after nearly a century of absence, combining modern green technology with a deep respect for the liquid heritage of the Highlands.
Where is GlenWyvis?
The distillery is situated in the town of Dingwall, the historic county town of Ross and Cromarty in the northern Highlands of Scotland. More specifically, it sits on the Upper Docharty Farm, perched on a hillside that provides a commanding view over the Dingwall Basin and the Cromarty Firth. This elevated position is not merely for the scenery; it places the distillery directly beneath the sprawling mass of Ben Wyvis, from which it takes part of its name.
The location is integral to its identity as a sustainable producer, as the surrounding landscape provides the natural resources required to power the facility. By utilising the local topography for wind and hydro-electric power, GlenWyvis has managed to remain entirely off the National Grid, making it one of the most environmentally conscious distilleries in the world.
History of GlenWyvis
The history of GlenWyvis is a story of revival. While the current distillery was established in 2015, its roots are tied to the lost distilling heritage of Dingwall. The town was once home to the Ferintosh and Ben Wyvis distilleries, as well as the nearby Glenskiach distillery in Evanton. These establishments were famous in their day, with Ferintosh even being mentioned by the national poet Robert Burns. However, economic pressures and the era of Prohibition led to the closure of Dingwall’s last distillery in 1926.
The vision to bring distilling back to the area came from John McKenzie, a local farmer and helicopter pilot known as the Flying Farmer. In 2016, a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign was launched, which captured the imagination of the public and eventually raised over three million pounds from more than 3,000 investors. This community-focused approach ensured that the distillery would remain in the hands of the people rather than a multinational conglomerate. Construction began in early 2017, and the first spirit flowed from the copper pot stills on 30 November 2017—St Andrew’s Day—marking a triumphant return for Highland whisky production in Dingwall.
GlenWyvis Signature Releases
GlenWyvis produces both single malt Scotch whisky and craft gin, with a focus on quality and transparency. Their signature gin, known as GoodWill Gin, was the first product to be released while the whisky matured in the warehouses. It is a classic London Dry style gin that incorporates nine botanicals, including locally sourced hawthorn berries, which give it a distinct Highland character. Following the success of the original gin, the distillery has also experimented with cask-matured versions, such as those aged in Sherry or Quercus Alba oak, providing a bridge between their gin and whisky profiles.
The inaugural GlenWyvis Single Malt Whisky was released in late 2021 to much fanfare. This first batch was a landmark moment for the community shareholders, featuring a flavour profile characterized by notes of ripe orchard fruits, vanilla, and a subtle spice.
Since then, the distillery has moved into more specific expressions, such as the Highland Legacy Series. The first in this series, titled The Drover, celebrates the town’s history as a cattle-driving hub. This release is a complex marriage of spirits matured in various casks, including Sauternes, Madeira, and Oloroso Sherry, resulting in a rich, nutty, and sweet dram that showcases the versatility of their young spirit.
Visiting GlenWyvis Distillery
For those wishing to see the distillery in person, it’s important to note that GlenWyvis operates differently from many of the larger, traditional distilleries on the Scotch whisky trail. Because the distillery is located on a working farm with only a small, dedicated production team, it does not have a traditional on-site visitor centre at the production facility itself.
Regarding tours, the distillery does not offer regular, daily walk-in tours for the general public due to its unique operational structure and its location on a private farm. However, they have been known to host exclusive events and open days for their thousands of community shareholders.
For the general public, the distillery often provides a virtual tour experience through its website and digital platforms, allowing enthusiasts to see the inner workings of the renewable energy systems and the still house from anywhere in the world. This approach aligns with their commitment to sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint associated with large-scale tourism while still sharing their story with a global audience.
Contact Information
Address: GlenWyvis Distillery, Upper Docharty, Dingwall IV15 9UF, Scotland
Phone Number: 01349 862005
Website: glenwyvis.com
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