Balblair Distillery, located in the village of Edderton in the Northern Highlands of Scotland, is one of the oldest distilleries in the country. Here's a detailed history of Balblair Distillery:

Early History

• Founding: Balblair Distillery was founded in 1790 by John Ross, making it one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. It was established in its original location on the banks of the Allt Dearg burn, a good source of water for whisky production.
• 19th Century: In 1824, the distillery was granted a licence, and John Ross continued to manage it along with his son, Andrew Ross. The Ross family maintained ownership and operational control over the distillery for several generations.

Relocation and Development

• 1894 Relocation: In 1894, Balblair moved to its current location, which was chosen to be closer to the Edderton Railway Station to facilitate easier transportation of whisky. The new site was just a short distance from the original.
• John Ross’s Influence: The distillery continued to prosper under the management of the Ross family until the early 20th century. John Ross, the founder’s great-grandson, played a significant role in maintaining the distillery's high standards and quality.

20th Century Challenges

• Intermittent Production: Throughout the early 20th century, Balblair faced several challenges, including economic downturns, wars, and changing ownership. Production was often intermittent during this period.
• Acquisition by Hiram Walker: In the 1940s, the distillery was acquired by Hiram Walker, a Canadian company, which invested in modernising the facilities. However, production ceased again in the late 1960s.

Modern Era

• Inver House Distillers: In 1996, Inver House Distillers, a subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings, purchased Balblair. Inver House revitalised the distillery and focused on producing high-quality single malts.
• Vintage Releases: In 2007, Balblair introduced a unique approach to its product line by releasing vintage expressions instead of age-statement whiskies. Each vintage represents the whisky distilled and laid down in a particular year, with the focus on the characteristics of that specific batch rather than the age.

Present Day

• Current Production: Today, Balblair is renowned for its rich, fruity, and complex single malt whiskies. The distillery continues to release vintage expressions, maintaining a tradition of quality and craftsmanship.
• Visitor Experience: Balblair has also become a popular destination for whisky enthusiasts, offering tours and tastings that showcase its history and the whisky-making process.

Balblair’s long history, characterised by periods of challenge and rejuvenation, has shaped it into a respected and cherished name in the world of Scotch whisky. The distillery’s commitment to quality and its innovative approach to vintage releases have solidified its place in the industry.