Girvan | Thompson Bros. | 1990/2023 | 32 Jahre | 48,7%

The Girvan Distillery, founded in 1963 by William Grant & Sons in Southwest Scotland, is one of the country's most significant grain whisky distilleries. Initially established to meet the demand for grain whisky for the company's blends, Girvan has evolved into a producer of highly esteemed single grain whiskies.

The distillery is renowned not only for its whisky production but also as the production site for Hendrick's Gin, famous for its unique use of cucumber and Bulgarian rose essences.

Girvan Distillery stands out with an impressive production capacity of 115 million liters per year and utilizes a multi-pressure distillation system, enabling efficient and high-quality whisky production. The water for whisky production is sourced from the River Girvan, valued for its purity and softness.

With six distillation columns and a special process that allows colder distillation under vacuum, Girvan produces a sweeter, fruitier, and purer spirit, free from sulfur compounds.

Girvan was also home to the now-closed Ladyburn distillery, which produced single malt whisky for Grant's blends between 1965 and 1975. Today, Girvan offers a range of single grain whiskies, including Girvan Patent Still No. 4 Apps and older bottlings like Girvan 25, 28, and 30 years.

The Girvan Distillery is known not only for its innovative products but also for its modern approach to whisky production. For instance, a new Gin Palace was opened in 2019, providing a tropical greenhouse environment for the production of Hendrick's Gin.

Thompson Bros: Pioneers of Independent Whisky Bottling

The Thompson Bros, led by brothers Phil and Simon Thompson, are an independent whisky bottler based in Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands. Known for their unique and high-quality whiskies, the Thompson Bros have made significant strides not only in whisky production but also in managing their own distillery and a renowned whisky bar.

Innovative and Sustainable Whisky Production

The Dornoch Distillery was established through a successful crowdfunding campaign, enabling the brothers to realize their vision of sustainable and innovative whisky production. The distillery is known for using traditional methods and focusing on artisanal quality. Particularly noteworthy is their commitment to environmentally friendly production methods, which they plan to continue in their new, sustainable distillery in Dornoch.

Exclusive and Diverse Product Range

The Thompson Bros are particularly known for their single cask bottlings, which they market under the name "Redacted Bros." in the U.S. These bottlings are noted for their exceptional quality and often humorous, sometimes cartoonish labels. Their product range includes not only whisky but also excellent gins marketed under the name "Mediterranean Organic Scottish Gin," known for their complex flavor profiles.

Future-Oriented and Community-Based

The future looks bright for the Dornoch Distillery and the Thompson Bros. With plans to expand their distillation operations and build a new, carbon-neutral distillery, they aim to establish Dornoch as a world-class whisky destination. The community and whisky enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to many exciting new developments and products in the coming years.

For whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs seeking authentic, handcrafted Scotch, the Thompson Bros offer a fascinating selection that embodies the rich tradition and modern innovation of Scottish whisky production.