Historic Scots whisky distillery from 1899 set to be ‘revived’ for visitors

A historic Scottish distillery is set to reopen its doors, with plans to introduce a “virtual reality whisky experience”.

Historic Environment Scotland announced on Monday that the Dallas Dhu distillery in Moray Speyside will reopen as a working distillery. Dating back to 1899, the distillery closed its doors in 1983 due to financial constraints.

It will now reopen under the management of Aceo Distillers Company Limited, who will implement a phased program of development of the site. Historic Environment Scotland will retain guardianship of the site on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

Among the improvements set to be introduced are bonded warehousing facilities and the eventual reintroduction of traditional whisky production, alongside improvements designed to enhance the visitor experience. The new visitor centre will offer tours focusing on the story of Scotch whisky and Speyside production.

The updated attraction will offer visitors the opportunity to experience artisanal Scotch whisky production methods. Transforming Dallas Dhu into a unique heritage attraction, it is expected to benefit the local community and economy.

Managing Director at Aceo Edward Odim commented: “The Aceo Team are thrilled to be reopening the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery. Our vision is to make Dallas Dhu one of the leading, must-see whisky distilleries in Scotland, giving visitors a unique, close-up experience of whisky making.

“The aim is to breathe life back into the distillery by first getting the original equipment working and traditional whisky distilling going once again. This revived, long-lost spirit will be matured in Dallas Dhu’s well-preserved Victorian dunnage warehouses.

“Longer-term, the plan is for a state-of-the-art visitor centre with exhibition and museum space, and a café/restaurant, to be enjoyed by visitors and the local community. There will be a cooperage displaying the art of the cooper, a working malting floor and an interactive virtual reality whisky experience, that delves into the science behind Scotland’s famous spirit.

“But, as well as show how whisky is made, we intend to tell the social and economic story — past and present — of whisky production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whisky producing region. So, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and get going on reviving this jewel in the crown of Scotland’s whisky distilleries.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes added: “This collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo marks the start of a new chapter for the celebrated Dallas Dhu Distillery site. The re-introduction of whisky production and expansion of the visitor experience will breathe new life into a historically significant distillery, showing how Scotland’s treasured heritage assets can be preserved and revitalised at the same time, so that sites like Dallas Dhu continue to evolve and flourish.

“It‘s fantastic news for the local community in Forres, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring.”

Dallas Dhu, built by entrepreneur Alexander Edward, has a long and storied history. Originally constructed to meet the growing demand for Scotland’s national drink, the distillery produced malt whisky for the popular Roderick Dhu blend for nearly a century.

Production ceased in 1983, and the distillery was handed into state care a few years later. The traditional distilling equipment remains exactly as it was when the doors closed for the final time.

More information can be found on the Historic Environment Scotland website.

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