Today's Behind the Barrel entry is focusing on the "The Edinburgh Malt" Glenkinchie, Behind the barrel is whiskys.co.uk series of deep dive blogs and articles into the fascinating history of whisky and the distillers of fine spirits.
Nestled just 15 miles outside Edinburgh, amidst the rolling farmlands of East Lothian, lies one of Scotland’s best-kept whisky secrets — Glenkinchie Distillery. Known as “The Edinburgh Malt”, Glenkinchie offers not only a taste of fine Lowland single malt Scotch but also a journey through nearly two centuries of whisky history.
A Scenic Introduction to Scotch
For many visitors starting their Scotch whisky journey in Scotland, Glenkinchie is the perfect gateway. With its floral, delicate character, this Lowland malt is an ideal introduction to the complex world of single malts. The setting itself is breathtaking — think lush fields, historic buildings, and the soft rush of the Kinchie Burn nearby.
A Story That Starts in 1825
Glenkinchie’s roots stretch back to 1825, when brothers George and John Rate founded a distillery originally known as Milton. By the 1830s, it was renamed Glenkinchie, a name that better reflected the Scottish landscape and spirit. Though the distillery closed briefly in the mid-1800s, it was revived and rebuilt in 1881 and has been producing whisky ever since.
Its inclusion in Diageo’s “Classic Malts of Scotland” lineup secured Glenkinchie’s place on the global stage, representing the unique style of the Lowland region with pride.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Fast forward to the present, and Glenkinchie has undergone a stunning transformation. As part of Diageo’s £185 million investment into Scotch whisky tourism, the distillery was redesigned in 2020 to become the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker. The revamped visitor centre seamlessly blends modern design with rich tradition — think interactive exhibits, botanical gardens, and elegant tasting rooms.
Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a curious traveller, the Glenkinchie tour experience is immersive and unforgettable.
