Brown-Forman has submitted plans to Aberdeenshire Council for a multi-million pound investment in its homeplace in the Valley of Forgue in Aberdeenshire, The Glendronach Distillery, as it plans to meet growing global demand for its sherried Highland Single Malt.
The phased redevelopment investment programme, due for completion in 2026 to mark its 200th anniversary year, aims to secure long-term future growth for The Glendronach and includes the restoration of Boynsmill House and walled gardens to create a luxury guest experience.
The historic whisky-making site on the grounds of the former Boynsmill Estate, established by James Allardice in 1826, will also see the conversion of a heritage warehouse into a new visitor centre to meet the demand for tour and tasting experiences. An expanded car park and guest entrance, as well as landscape and guest tour path improvements also form part of the plans while all existing buildings and the signature period courtyard will remain, “retaining the heritage and traditional craft of whisky making at The Glendronach for future generations”, say Brown-Forman.
This is the third round of investment by Brown-Forman in the distillery after renovations of The Glendronach Visitor Centre in 2020, which created an improved visitor experience with a new tasting room, whisky bar, lounge, and retail space, and a £30m distillery expansion that began in 2022 to increase production facilities, including the restoration of the former maltings building as a working production area.
Glasgow-based, architecture firm Loader Monteith has been appointed alongside Scarinish Design interior designers.
Jennifer Proctor, Head of European Homeplaces at Brown-Forman, said, ”We’re very proud to be custodians of such a historic and revered Single Malt at The Glendronach. This significant investment in the long-term future of the distillery will enable us to continue to preserve almost 200 years of rich heritage whilst ensuring we can meet the increasing demand in visitors for The Glendronach at home and around the world.”
