Coleburn Distillery debuts blended malt trio
The once dormant Coleburn Distillery in Speyside has unveiled its first whisky collection after plans to reopen the site were announced in August.
Coleburn, which was mothballed in 1985, is currently under reconstruction and set to reopen again in 2027 after plans to revive the sleeping distillery were laid out by owner D&M Winchester.
The distillery’s first collection of whiskies consists of three blended malts, each with its own distinct profile: Sherry Bomb, Sweet Peat and Big Smoke.
The whiskies are intended to be a gateway into the Locals Heros collection, which celebrates the whisky community – the makers, the custodians and enthusiasts – with a name inspired by the figures who’ shaped the spirit’s history.
Additionally, the name has a personal touch, as co-owners of the distillery site, Mark and Dale Winchester, made an appearance in the 1983 film Local Hero, which was filmed across Scotland.
Mark Winchester, co-owner of Coleburn, said: “The name Local Heros resonates with us personally. Back in 1983, Dale and I had the privilege of recording the soundtrack and appearing in the film Local Hero which was a profound personal moment for us as we experienced in a surreal way what Scotland and indeed whisky means to the world, a strong identity and community spirit, storytelling and togetherness and of course pride and celebration.
“These are the values that we want to convey in the spirit collection that now carries the Local Hero name celebrating the people and places that have and continue to shape every dram.”
Regarding the new range, Sherry Bomb is described as a ‘rich whisky’ that uses oloroso Sherry and refill casks. Its notes are said to have aromas of spice, honey, red apple, plus a palate of dried fruit, hazelnut and stewed plums.
Sweet Peat is called a ‘gentle introduction to smoky whisky’. Its profile combines caramel, vanilla and plum pudding on the nose, while honey, pear drops and banana appear on the palate.
Thirdly, Big Smoke is seen as the ‘boldest expression’ in batch one of the collection. It opens with cherry, vanilla, lemon and coastal notes, while medicinal smoke, banana and sea salt come through on the palate. The finish is said to be ‘lingering’ and ‘smoky’.
The whiskies are bottled at the Coleburn site and clock in at 46% ABV.
Local Heros Batch 1 is now available online from www.thewhiskyresort.com and Amazon. The whiskies are priced between £50 (US$66) to £55 (US$74).
For the Coleburn project, D&M Winchester has pulled in Keith Cruickshank to lead as master distiller, having previously worked the same position at Benromach for 27 years.
Explaining the Locas Heros range, Cruickshank said: “Local Heros is about more than whisky; it is about the people and the landscapes that have created something extraordinary. From the craftspeople who keep traditions alive, to the communities that have shaped Scotland’s whisky story, this collection is a celebration of collaboration, legacy and place.
“With Sweet Peat, Big Smoke and Sherry Bomb, we wanted to create whiskies that are approachable yet full of character, welcoming drinkers into Coleburn’s new chapter.”
Once full-scale renovations on Coleburn Distillery are complete, it will function as a ‘whisky resort’ with whisky lodges, a pagoda penthouse and a bistro among its features.
The site is also projected to produce one million litres of whisky each year.
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