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Aultmore (Altmore) – premium whiskey from the Scottish region of Speyside. The name is translated from Gaelic as “big stream”. Drinks are distinguished by a rich fruity bouquet with hints of flower honey and fragrant herbs.
The distillery’s products are primarily used to blend Dewar’s and Johnnie Walker. The brand is owned by Bacardi, which has increased Aultmore production in recent years due to growing interest in the brand.
Historical information
Aultmore was founded in 1896 by Alexander Eduard, who had long been engaged in the production of whiskey. The businessman chose the sparsely populated area of Speyside for construction, primarily focusing on the proximity of spring water sources. The end of the XIX century was a favorable time for the work of distilleries in Scotland. Demand for whiskey skyrocketed due to the phylloxera epidemic that hit the vineyards of Europe.
The very next year after the opening, production doubled, and the owner acquired several more enterprises, uniting them under the common brand Oban & Aultmore-Glenlivet Co. Later, the Pattison brothers bought a significant share of the company’s shares. Inspired by the success, the entrepreneurs took large loans from banks to develop their business. In 1898, the plant experienced its first modernization – the water wheel was replaced with a steam engine.
However, the rise in production did not last long – a year later, businessmen faced a sharp drop in demand and went bankrupt. The company continued to produce small batches of whiskey until the outbreak of the First World War, and then closed due to a lack of raw materials. The distillery resumed its activities in 1923, and in the 60s it was completely rebuilt, already being owned by the Scottish Malt Distillers group.
In the 80s, the demand for whiskey was low, but the company managed to stay afloat, despite a series of changes in ownership. In 1998, the company was acquired by Bacardi, a well-known rum producer. Under new management, one of Aultmore’s flagship products, 12-year-old whiskey, was released, and in 2014, 21- and 25-year-old drinks were bottled.
Production features
The distillery is a modern building, almost nothing remains of the old buildings. The water comes from the Auchinderran stream. The malt is supplied by The Simpsons, a world-renowned manufacturer of raw materials for beer and whiskey.
Primary fermentation takes place in larch tanks and lasts 56 hours. Copper distillation cubes of the traditional “swan” shape can hold up to 17,5 thousand liters of wort. Most of the production goes to the preparation of blends for other brands. Own whiskey comes out in small batches and has a long aging period.
Interesting Facts
- The enterprise has preserved a steam engine, which was installed in the 1969th century. Its use at the plant was abandoned in XNUMX, when steam power was replaced by electricity.
- In 1997, in honor of the company’s centenary, a limited edition 16-year-old Aultmore was released. The names of all the employees who worked at the plant at that time were listed on the bottle label.
Types of Whiskey Altmore
Aultmore 12 Years Old, 46%
The last bottling of 12-year-old single malt whiskey took place in 2014. The straw-colored drink is distinguished by a bright aroma of fragrant herbs and citrus fruits with hints of flowers and white bread. The taste is fruity, there are lemon, ginger and malt notes. There is a hint of nutty bitterness in the aftertaste.
Aultmore 18 Years Old, 46%
In the aroma of mature whiskey, fruits fade into the background, giving way to honey, spicy and woody tones. The palate combines hot spices, orange, grapefruit and vanilla with woody and almond notes on the finish.
Aultmore 21 Years Old, 46%
Light amber color whiskey with aromas of lavender, heather and ripe fruit. The opening is dominated by ginger and pepper, followed by roasted, oaky and cedar notes. The finish is dry and long, with hints of nutmeg and licorice.
Aultmore 25 Years Old, 46%
The drink is aged in sherry casks, which give it a dark amber color. The aroma is multifaceted, dominated by candied fruits, dark chocolate and oranges. The taste harmonizes with the bouquet, fruity accents are intensified, walnuts, almonds, leather and wood are added to them. The finish is characterized by notes of herbs and tobacco.
