Charles and Camilla open new Scotch distillery

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have officially opened Scotland’s “first” single estate Scotch whisky distillery, Ballindalloch.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall gave Ballindalloch Distillery the royal seal of approval

Charles and Camilla, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, were joined by the founders and team members of Ballindalloch, as well as local dignitaries for the opening.

The royal couple unveiled the site’s commemorative new plaque and also fitted bungs into two casks, the whisky from which will be bottled in 10 years’ time. Proceeds from the bottles will then be donated to charities chosen by the Duke and Duchess.

Ballindalloch – billed as Scotland’s first single estate distillery – is based on a historic estate of the same name. It creates whisky using barley grown on the estate and uses water sourced from the same land, only outsourcing yeast.

Brian Robinson, distillery host for Ballindalloch, told The Spirits Business: “In its essence, Ballindalloch is much more akin to how distilleries operated 100 years ago, using the agriculture on its doorstep which is then fed back into the environment.”

Having commenced distillation towards the end of last year, the first bottling of Ballindalloch Scotch is due to take place in the next eight to 10 years.

Last May, William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery to open the site’s refurbished visitors’ centre.