Aceo, the spirits company behind Murray McDavid whisky, has announced plans to revive Dallas Dhu Distillery. Built in 1898, the Speyside distillery closed production in 1983. The plans will see Dallas Dhu back in production and a visitor centre opened onsite.
Edward Odim, Aceo managing director, said: “Our vision is to make Dallas Dhu one of the leading, must-see whisky distilleries in Scotland, giving visitors a unique, close-up experience of whisky making.”
Aceo intends to preserve the distillery’s heritage through the revival: “The aim is to breathe life back into the distillery by first getting the original equipment working and traditional whisky distilling going once again,” says Odim. It will look to strike a balance, however, with modern technologies needed for more sustainable practices.
The plans will include measures to minimise environmental image and protect the site’s wildlife and biodiversity. Aceo also plans to embed the distillery into the fabric of the local community through events and educational activity.
Odim continued: “Longer term, the plan is for a state-of-the-art visitor centre with exhibition and museum space, and a café/restaurant, to be enjoyed by visitors and the local community. There will be a cooperage display, a working malt floor, and an interactive virtual reality whisky experience, exploring Scotland’s famous spirit.
“But, as well as showing how whisky is made, we intend to shed light on the sometimes hard social and economic history of whisky production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whisky producing region.”
The revival of Dallas Dhu follows the recent return of other once-quiet distilleries, including Rosebank, brought back by Ian Macleod Distillers, and Islay’s Port Ellen, which returned via Diageo.
Odim concluded: “We are very excited by the Dallas Dhu Distillery revival project, which has so much potential. So, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and get going on reviving this jewel in the crown of Scotland’s whisky distilleries.”
