Aultmore Distillery

Tucked just off the A96 as you approach Keith, Aultmore is one of Speyside’s lesser known distilleries; well-loved by blenders, respected by whisky makers and increasingly earning recognition as a single malt in its own right. Its distinctive white buildings have, according to Vic, earned it the nickname “the white distillery,” easily spotted on the hillside as you drive into town.

A Brief History

Aultmore was founded in 1896 and later absorbed into the Diageo portfolio. During the major restructuring that followed the Guinness–Grand Metropolitan merger, the distillery - along with the Dewar’s brand and its associated sites - was sold to Bacardi. Under Bacardi’s stewardship, significant investments have been made across the Dewar’s distilleries, including Aultmore, Craigellachie, Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla.

Today, Aultmore has expanded capacity to over six million litres per year, making it an important contributor to the Dewar’s blended Scotch range. Historically it was never marketed heavily as a single malt, but the current owners have begun to change that.

House Style

Aultmore’s new make is known for its fresh, fruity, and delicate character, often described as peachy with subtle sweetness. Vic Cameron highlights this hallmark profile, saying the spirit is “very fruity… peachy kind of, in my opinion,” a quality that shines both in blends and in single malt releases.

Matured in American oak, Aultmore often shows citrus, gentle vanilla and hints of coconut. Tasting a Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottling, Vic notes that this particular cask carries an unusually strong wood influence, layered over the distillery’s natural fruitiness.

Core Range & Availability

Aultmore’s official range includes a 12-year-old, 18-year-old, and 21-year-old, with occasional older expressions and limited editions. Independent bottlings, particularly first-fill ex-bourbon casks, are also excellent showcases of the spirit’s purity and orchard-fruit character.

Aultmore is one of Speyside’s under-the-radar distilleries and its well worth exploring if you're looking beyond the familiar names.