Aultmore to double capacity with £15m expansion

Bacardi-owned Scotch whisky distillery Aultmore is marking its 125th anniversary with a £15 million (US$18.4m) expansion to double its production capacity.

The Highland single malt producer will aim to double its production capacity by 2024 with the expansion, which includes the addition of fermenters, pot stills and infrastructure.

A new heat-recovering system will also be installed to reduce the distillery’s energy usage and carbon footprint.

“Aultmore Distillery has a long history and association with quality spirit, and the success of our single malt is a testament to those past and present who have played their part in crafting it,” said Ross Bremner, distillery manager.

The distillery first went into production in 1897, and to celebrate its anniversary the brand will release a limited edition bottling of single malt – the Aultmore Anniversary Edition – which will go on sale exclusively at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery in Scotland.

Bremner added: “As we get started on our exciting expansion plans to increase production, it’s an honour for those of us here today to play an integral part in the future of this beautiful whisky.”

Bacardi’s single malt portfolio also includes Royal Brackla, The Deveron, Craigellachie and Macduff.

“We have an incredibly skilled and innovative team here in Scotland and we are so proud of the success of the whisky portfolio we produce,” commented Niall Mitchell, vice-president supply chain, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Bacardi.

“As more and more people around the world discover and fall in love with these drinks, we are investing in their growth for the long term.”

Aultmore Anniversary Edition will retail for RRP £70 (US$86.06), and can be purchased from the Dewar’s website.

Bacardi recently predicted the cocktail trends for 2023, with virtual experimentation and conscious cocktails noted as crazes to watch out for.