The Singleton Distillery – A Highland Gem with Community Spirit
A Distillery with Deep Roots – Glen Ord
On the site of an ancient illicit whisky still, you’ll now find the equally historic Singleton Distillery in Muir of Ord. With a history dating back to the 1800s, this distillery has been at the heart of the village for centuries. Though now owned by Diageo and no longer part of the Clan who first set it up, the distillery continues to be a cornerstone of the community—where heritage meets hospitality.
From Illicit Stills to Legitimate Distillery
1838: Thomas MacKenzie of Ord, a local landowner, or Laird in Scotland, founded the Ord Distillery Company on land he inherited from his family. The MacKenzies had been landowners in the area since 1263, granted by King Alexander III.
Many Scottish distilleries exist on or near sites where illicit stills once operated due to a historical shift in whisky production and taxation. The introduction of taxes on whisky in the 17th and 18th centuries led to a large-scale, underground industry of illicit distilling to evade these taxes. Over time, as the tax system changed, some former illicit still sites were repurposed or expanded into legal distilleries.
Arrival and First Impressions
We book our tickets online, my pal and fellow tour guide John MacLeod and I, and cannae wait to explore the distillery. We’re a wee bit early, so we settle into the comfy couches in the visitor centre to wait for our time slot.
The newly renovated centre is a delight—spacious, with a bar, café, disabled access toilets, and a large retail area full of tempting whisky-related goodies. We find ample parking outside and space for both small groups and bus tours. It’s welcoming, inclusive, and modern—yet still holds onto that old Highland charm.
The Tour Begins
We’re joined by an American whisky enthusiast and a journalist from the Netherlands. Our guide, Guy, greets us with a smile that could light up the room. His enthusiasm is contagious, and we set off on our journey through the whisky-making process.
The tour starts in the visitor centre, where we get hands-on with the barley—smelling it, touching it, seeing the different stages of processing. It’s a proper sensory experience right from the start.
Three Distilleries, Three Markets
Something quite special about Singleton is that it produces its whisky at three different distilleries, each catering to a different global market:
- Singleton of Glen Ord – for the Asian market
- Singleton of Glendullan – for the US and Canada
- Singleton of Dufftown – for Europe
You can buy all three expressions in the visitor centre, which is brilliant for the whisky lover who wants to compare the subtle differences.
A Rare Gem – Doing Their Own Mashing
What sets the Muir of Ord Singleton apart is that it still does its own mashing—a rare thing in Scotland these days. It also provides the product for other distilleries, keeping that traditional, old-school brewing spirit alive. There’s a real sense of heritage and pride in what they do here.
Into the Heart of the Distillery
We head into the still room (there are a few steps, but access is available for those with limited mobility), and we’re guided through the full whisky-making process—from fermentation to distillation to maturation in oak casks.
The older buildings wear their age proudly, covered in the dark coating of whisky fungus—caused by the “angels’ share” evaporating into the air. It’s part of the magic and mystery of the place.
The Angels Share
Whiskey fungus, or Baudoinia compniacensis, is a black fungus that thrives on ethanol vapors released from distilleries, particularly during whisky aging. This black staining, often called “warehouse staining,” is common in areas around distilleries, bonded warehouses. The fungus thrives on ethanol vapors, which are released during the aging of spirits like whisky in barrels, and are commonly referred to as the “angel’s share”. These vapors provide the fungus with the necessary carbon for growth.
Tasting Time – or a Wee Sniff for the Drivers
As the tour ends, we’re brought into the bespoke tasting room. Since John and I are driving, we opt for the drivers’ pack (better safe than sorry), and just enjoy a wee sniff. Our American companion gets properly stuck in—and thoroughly enjoys the dram.
Guy, our guide, is a credit to the distillery—knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely warm.
wee wild adventures
Leaping Salmon Logo
You might notice the distinctive salmon featured on The Singleton’s branding. This elegant fish isn’t just for show—it holds deep meaning rooted in Scottish culture and tradition. The salmon has long symbolised wisdom, strength, and purity in Celtic mythology. A fitting emblem for a whisky born from the Highlands. It also reflects the natural beauty and purity of the local rivers and landscape, where salmon have swum for centuries. Just as the salmon makes its journey through clean, flowing waters, The Singleton whisky follows its own careful path. From barley to barrel to bottle—with grace and tradition.
Pure Loch Water
The Singleton Distillery sources its water from two nearby lochs. Loch nam Bonnach (Loch of the Bannocks) and Loch nan Eun (Loch of the Birds). These lochs sit in the hills above Muir of Ord and provide the soft Highland water used throughout the whisky-making process. The water’s purity and mineral content are key to the mashing and fermentation stages, contributing to the distinct character of Singleton whisky.
A Living Part of the Community
What really strikes me is how much a part of the community the distillery is. And I don’t just mean jobs—though they do employ plenty of locals. It’s more than that. During the quieter months, the visitor centre becomes a hub for the locals. The walking group pops in for a catch-up after their rambles, and there are regular events, with local musicians entertaining both visitors and village folk alike.
John and I enjoy a great Scottish tradition of Macaroni Pie with a side salad and chutney! It’s like a Scotch Pie but with Macaroni! Only in Scotland. Want to make one?
Find out more about the Singleton Sessions here.
It’s not just a tourist attraction—it’s a living, breathing part of Muir of Ord.
Final Thoughts
The Singleton Distillery is more than just a place to taste a good dram. It’s history, heritage, and hospitality all rolled into one. A place where a global brand still keeps its heart firmly rooted in the Highlands.
If you’re ever up this way, make sure it’s on your list.
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