Annandale Distillery marks release of first 10-year-old malt since revival

A Scottish distillery, inactive for almost a century, is marking the release of its inaugural 10-year-old single malt since recommencing operations. The Annandale Distillery ceased activity in 1919 but was reactivated ten years ago following an extensive restoration. Prof David Thomson and Teresa Church, the owners, acquired the premises in 2007 and commenced spirit production seven years thereafter. A twelve-month commemorative period has now commenced, observing its initial decade of renewed activity. The distillery’s narrative appeared to conclude when Johnnie Walker halted manufacturing soon after the conclusion of World War One. Constructed in the early 1830s, the site deteriorated while remaining idle for many decades. When the couple purchased the estate with the intention of restoring its function, it was listed on the buildings at risk register. A renovation costing multiple millions of pounds commenced, and the location was formally inaugurated by the Princess Royal in 2015. Presently, it has achieved another significant milestone in its re-establishment, with the initial bottling of whisky from a cask filled ten years prior. David stated, “It’s an emotional landmark, really, rather than a maturation landmark,” adding, “Whisky becomes whisky at three years and it progresses through a maturation cycle and 10 years is just a point in that.” He further explained, “But, from an emotional point of view, it’s when it becomes not young whisky – it’s considered to be mature whisky at that point – and that’s big for a distillery, that’s where you want to get to.” Teresa remarked that the endeavor encompassed more than merely the whisky. She noted, “Actually it’s been more than 10 years because the restoration took quite a few years.” She elaborated that from the abandoned premises, they needed to ensure precision in every aspect of its reconstruction. “We’re pretty pleased that it is correct,” she affirmed, concluding, “Historically it’s correct, but with a modern twist.” The narrative began when Teresa acquired a book for her husband titled *Scotch Missed*, detailing defunct distilleries throughout the nation. David commented, “It’s about whisky distilleries – a lot of them were developed after the Excise Act of 1823.” He continued, “But come the First World War, quite a lot of them had stopped production and it’s a shame in many ways.” He added, “Some were demolished, some were turned into nice housing and some to very gross things that didn’t look nice at all.” He concluded this thought with, “We found out about Annandale, we came and saw it, it was a beautiful day and we got all dewy-eyed about it.” Extensive efforts over several years have resulted in a location that, as Teresa anticipates, is a “cozy, welcoming place.” Regarding the product itself, David expressed, “The whisky that we’re tasting now at 10 years old, I’m delighted with,” acknowledging the assistance of the late Jim Swan in its creation. He further stated, “This is exactly what I wanted to produce, so it’s got to be a happy day.” The enterprise currently employs approximately 90 individuals across what it refers to as the Annandale “family,” encompassing the Globe Inn in Dumfries and Comlongon Castle at Clarencefield. The proprietors concede that reaching this point involved some “sleepless nights.” David explained, “The period between starting and having something to sell at three years old, I mean, you’re just pouring money in all the time.” He continued, “You have just got to make sure that you can do that and luckily we were able to do so.” He added, “Then once you get over three years, you can start generating cash.” He indicated that this progression had led them from incurring losses to achieving break-even, and subsequently to generating profit in recent years. This profitability is crucial for the long-term viability of the location. Teresa affirmed, “Like David said, it has to be profitable, so when we’re dead and gone, it still runs as a profitable business.” She warned, “Otherwise it would just come to a nasty end.” David further stated, “We’ll never sell it – it would have to be under extreme circumstances,” concluding, “We’ll find a way of making sure it can continue after we’re dead and gone.”