Lost ~ Silent ~ REVIVED

Lost Distilleries

Explore the lost distilleries of Scotland, once-thriving producers that have now fallen silent and slipped into whisky history. These rare, highly sought-after expressions—from celebrated names like Port Ellen, Glen Mhor, and Rosebank to rising collector favorites such as Imperial, Littlemill, and Cambus—are prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Each silent still tells a unique story, with limited remaining stock making these valuable whiskies a must-have for any serious Scotch whisky collection. Now, with some of these distilleries now recently revived*, these old releases are even more special. 

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  • Caledonian Distillery

    Founded in 1855 in central Edinburgh, Caledonian Distillery thrived with its own railway yard, supplying grain whisky for Andrew Usher's pioneering blends. Closed in 1988, the site was later redeveloped for housing and business use.

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  • Cambus Distillery

    Established in 1806 near Alloa, Cambus Distillery produced malt and grain whisky. Closed in 1993, it’s now a Diageo cask filling site. Cambus whiskies, including Hunter Laing Sovereign releases, remain highly popular despite the distillery’s closure.

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  • Caperdonich Distillery

    Founded in 1897 in Rothes, Caperdonich Distillery faced early closure in 1902. Reopened in 1965, it closed permanently in 2002 and was demolished in 2011. Its rare Speyside malt whisky lives on through independent bottlers like Hunter Laing.

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  • Dallas Dhu*

    Dallas Dhu Distillery, designed by Charles C. Doig and opened in 1898, closed in 1983. Maintained as a museum it retains original equipment and joins the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Gordon & MacPhail has released vintage Dallas Dhu bottlings recently. (*due to be re-opened soon)

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  • Littlemill Distillery

    Established in 1772, Littlemill Distillery, Scotland's oldest, innovated whisky-making with unique stills and ventilation towers. Production ceased in 1992, and it was demolished in 2006, leaving only the manager's house shell as a relic.

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  • Imperial Distillery

    Designed by Charles C. Doig, Imperial Distillery opened in 1897 in Speyside, marking Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee with a golden crown on its pagoda roof. Closed in 1998 and demolished in 2013, its legacy lives on through independent releases.

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  • North of Scotland Distillery

    The North of Scotland Distillery, established at Cambus in 1957, initially produced malt whisky before switching to grain whisky in 1960. Renamed in 1964, it closed in 1980 and was demolished in 1993, becoming a lost Lowland grain distillery.

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  • Port Ellen*

    Established in 1825 on Islay’s southern coast, Port Ellen Distillery pioneered the spirit safe. Closed in 1983 its old bottlings, including the Annual Release, remain highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. (*distillery revived in 2022)

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  • Rosebank Distilllery*

    Rosebank distilling traces back to 1798, with the renowned distillery founded in 1840 by James Rankine in Falkirk. Known for triple-distilled whisky, it closed in 1993. (*distillery revived in 2024)

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