Actual The Cairn Distillery distillery site in Craggan, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3NT

The Cairn Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide

Oct 23

3 min read

Updated: Oct 27

The Cairn is a striking modern Speyside distillery created by Gordon & MacPhail beside the River Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Its story is unusual: visitors can taste mature CRN57° whiskies today, but the site's first single malt has deliberately been held back for long maturation. CRN57° is a blended malt range, not Scotch made on The Cairn's stills.

In this guide

Distillery at a glance
History, owners and key people
How the whisky is made
Bottle range and releases
Awards, visiting and tours
Reader poll and frequently asked questions
Sources and image credits

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The Cairn Distillery at a glance

History of The Cairn Distillery

Gordon & MacPhail, the family-owned whisky merchant and producer founded in 1895, built The Cairn as a sister distillery to Benromach. Architects positioned its stone tower, green-roofed buildings and glass-fronted still house to respect the Cairngorms landscape while opening broad views across the river.

The Cairn opened on 18 October 2022. Owner Gordon & MacPhail says it intends to hold its own spirit until the mid-2030s before launching its first distillery-produced single malt. As a result, visitors should never mistake a 12, 18 or 25 year old CRN57° for whisky produced at a distillery that opened in 2022.

Ownership and key people

Gordon & MacPhail, the Urquhart family whisky business. This is based on the producer information available in October 2026; roles and shareholders can change.

How the whisky is made

The new still house uses traditional copper pot distillation alongside modern equipment and long-term cask planning. Gordon & MacPhail has decades of experience in whisky maturation and intends to use it to develop a distinct Speyside single malt.

CRN57° takes its name from approximately 57 degrees north latitude. Its master-blended malt whiskies were sourced from already-mature stocks and provide an idea of possible future Cairn flavours, rather than an early release of the distillery's own malt.

The Cairn Distillery whisky range

These are verified whisky expressions or historically significant releases. Where relevant the text distinguishes whisky distilled at the site from independent or sourced bottlings. Producer flavour notes do not replace an independent Whisky Clan tasting.

CRN57° 12 Year Old

Blended malt Scotch whisky at 43% ABV, with fruit, spice and oak characteristics.

CRN57° 18 Year Old

Older blended malt expression offering a more mature profile.

CRN57° 25 Year Old

A more mature CRN57° blend from malts distilled elsewhere.

CRN57° Step Four (2026)

15 year old blended malt launched in May 2026 at 43% ABV; the 742 bottles reflect a nearby hill's height.

Authentic labelled CRN57° 12 Year Old whisky bottle

Pictured: CRN57° 12 Year Old. The photograph is of an actual bottle associated with the producer or independently bottled range, rather than a generic whisky glass.

Awards and milestones

The producer reported a five-star VisitScotland visitor attraction grade in 2024. This distinction reflects the visitor experience, not an award for the yet-unreleased site-distilled single malt.

Visiting The Cairn Distillery

The distillery offers tastings and tours, a shop and its Gathering hospitality venue at Craggan near Grantown-on-Spey. Some experiences have a minimum age. Confirm the tour calendar and transport before travelling.

As of 23 October 2026, prices, visitor hours, tours and stock can change. Always confirm arrangements with the producer.