DISTILLERY VISIT
Glenkinchie’s new face
Glenkinchie distillery dates back to 1837, built in East Lothian and named for the Kinchie Burn, and has long been known as the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Now distillery owner Diageo has given Glenkinchie a multi-millon pound makeover, with a new visitor experience and landscaped garden on the distillery grounds. Although all visits are on hold until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, here’s a look at what to expect when we’re able to make the short trip south of Edinburgh to see the changes for ourselves
Glenkinchie’s garden plays an integral part in the distillery’s story, with a new 35,000 sq ft garden space inspired by East Lothian’s wildflowers and fruit orchards. A partnership with the local Hoods Honey business will see three hives housed in the distillery garden, with a colony of up to 65,000 bees each during the summer
Glenkinchie will now offer a series of interactive whisky-tasting sessions, including a ‘whisky in the wild’ flavour journey and a flowers and cocktail masterclass
Anyone who has already visited Glenkinchie will remember the distillery model, originally built for the Empire Exhibition of 1924. It has now been restored to capture the workings of the site in miniature
Johnnie Walker’s famous Striding Man has been given a colourful floral makeover by Edinburgh-based artist Angela Johnston, and he’s now joined by Bruce – a Scottish deerhound who was the distillery’s champion pest catcher and became its mascot
The distillery’s renovation includes a new bar, café and tasting area where visitors can experience a variety of whisky serves and cocktails
Glenkinchie’s Victorian red brick buildings have been given a makeover inside and out, with a bright new reception area that embraces lighter colours inspired by the natural landscape around the distillery
Glenkinchie’s stillroom is unchanged, home to one of the largest wash stills in Scotland with a potential capacity of almost 31,000 litres and producing just under two million litres of alcohol per year
Glenkinchie’s warehouses can hold up to 10,000 casks on site, with a small selection on view for visitors