Millburn

Founded in 1807 as "Inverness Distillery", Millburn was one of three distilleries once operating in the Highland capital of Inverness - alongside Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn. The site had a chequered history: in the middle of the 19th century it was even converted back into a flour mill for a time, before whisky production resumed in 1876. In 1921 the Booth's company took over, which was absorbed into the Distillers Company (DCL) group in 1937. When the Scotch whisky industry struggled with massive overproduction in the 1980s, Millburn was hit hard: the distillery closed in 1985 and the building was demolished in 1988. Today a hotel and restaurant complex stands in its place - all that remains are the last, now increasingly rare independent cask bottlings.

Why was Millburn closed?

Like many Scotch distilleries, Millburn fell victim to the industry-wide overproduction crisis of the mid-1980s, known as the "whisky loch". The Distillers Company halted production in 1985, and the historic building was demolished in 1988.

Was Millburn always a distillery?

No - the site was even converted back into a flour mill for a period before whisky production resumed in 1876. This chequered history of use is unique among the three former Inverness distilleries (alongside Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn).

Flavour profile

Taste: Traditionally described as a full-bodied, lightly sherried Highland malt with subtle spice - today's impressions come exclusively from historic cask bottlings.

Recommended enjoyment: For collectors and connoisseurs of "silent stills" - given its rarity, more an object for special occasions than everyday drinking.

Facts and figures

Founded 1807 as Inverness Distillery. Legal production from 1825 under Ross & Macdonald. Acquired by Booth's in 1921, part of the Distillers Company (DCL) from 1937. Closed 1985, building demolished 1988.