Silent Dallas Dhu Distillery to Reopen

After ceasing production in 1983, the Dallas Dhu Scotch whisky distillery will reopen under new management.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has confirmed that the Speyside Dallas Dhu distillery in Moray will reopen, almost a decade after the government agency first investigated the feasibility of restarting production at the site. The government was exploring investment opportunities in 2018 to bring the facility back to life.

Aceo Distillers Company will take over management of the distillery’s operations, while HES will retain control of the site.

Aceo will implement a phased approach to operational improvements, including bonded warehousing facilities and the eventual reintroduction of whisky production.

In addition, the visitor experience will feature tours focusing on the history of Scotch whisky and Speyside production.

Edward Odim, Managing Director of Aceo, said: “Our vision is to establish Dallas Dhu as one of Scotland’s most important and must-visit whisky distilleries, offering visitors a unique, up-close experience of whisky making.

“The aim is to bring the distillery back to life by first getting the original equipment up and running and restarting traditional whisky distillation. This long-lost resurrected spirit will be aged in Dallas Dhu’s well-preserved Victorian warehouses.

“In the longer term, the project will see the construction of a state-of-the-art visitor centre with an exhibition and museum space, as well as a café/restaurant, for visitors and the local community to enjoy. There will be a cooperage showcasing the art of coopering, a working malthouse and an interactive whisky virtual reality experience, which will delve into the science behind Scotland’s famous spirit.”

Built by entrepreneur Alexander Edward in 1899, the Dallas Dhu Distillery produced malt whisky for the famous Roderick Dhu blend for almost a century. It has not produced whisky since 1983, when it closed due to a water shortage, and the distillery was taken over by the state a few years later.

Stephen Duncan, Marketing and Engagement Director at HES, added: “Dallas Dhu offers a unique opportunity to showcase traditional distilling techniques as a living historical attraction.

“This reopening marks a new chapter for the distillery, and we are confident it will attract visitors, whilst bringing benefits to the local community and economy.”