The Glenrothes Distillery: History, Owner and Visitor Guide
Updated: 18 hours ago
The Glenrothes is a Speyside single malt distillery in the town of Rothes, Moray, Scotland. It sits beside the Burn of Rothes, in a glen on the edge of the town. Its history includes several serious fires and an explosion.
In this guide
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The Glenrothes at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery | The Glenrothes |
Country / region | Speyside, Scotland |
Owner / producer | Edrington |
History | The distillery was built in 1878 by James Stuart and Co, who also worked the nearby Macallan distillery. |
Whisky identity | Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt |
Visiting | Check the current official visiting arrangements before travelling. |
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The Glenrothes at a glance
Location: Rothes, Speyside, Scotland
Built: 1878 by James Stuart and Co
First spirit: 28 December 1879
Stills today: five wash stills and five spirit stills after the 1982 rebuild
Visitors: no visitor centre or public tours, private invitation only
History of The Glenrothes
The distillery was built in 1878 by James Stuart and Co, who also worked the nearby Macallan distillery. The first whisky ran off the stills on 28 December 1879, the same day as the Tay Bridge disaster.
The early years were turbulent. Over-proof whisky is highly flammable and the distillery paid the price. Extension work began in 1896 on a second malt kiln and an increase from two stills to four. Before it was finished, a fire in December 1897 caused serious damage. A serious explosion followed in 1903.
In 1922 a fire in Warehouse Number One destroyed 200,000 imperial gallons (910,000 litres) of whisky. Another fire in 1962 gave the chance to expand, and a further rebuild in 1982 extended the still hall to five wash stills and five spirit stills.
Ownership
Duty Free News International reported on 4 May 2017 that Edrington had acquired The Glenrothes single malt brand from Berry Bros. & Rudd. The sale reunited the brand with the Glenrothes distillery and cooperage, which the report says Edrington has owned and run through Highland Distillers continuously since 1887.
Berry Bros. & Rudd: its chief executive described seven years as guardian of the brand, and the company continued to distribute it in the UK
Distribution after the sale: Edrington and its joint ventures in Spain, the Nordics, Asia and travel retail, and Edrington Americas in the US
Founding date: sources differ, with 1878 and 1879 both cited for the first spirit
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Glenrothes?
In Rothes, Speyside, beside the Burn of Rothes.
When was The Glenrothes built?
It was built in 1878 and the first whisky ran on 28 December 1879.
Can you tour The Glenrothes?
No. It has no visitor centre and no public tours or tastings. Visits are by private invitation only.
How many stills does it have?
Five wash stills and five spirit stills, since the 1982 rebuild.
Sources and gaps
Source: Wikipedia article on The Glenrothes distillery. Not confirmed from the sources loaded: current distillery owner and brand owner, master distiller, current range and strengths, and any official history. These need checking on the official Glenrothes site before this draft is published. Cover image: none set.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Duty Free News International report of 4 May 2017 on the Glenrothes brand sale.
What makes The Glenrothes distinctive?
Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt.
The Glenrothes whisky bottles and releases
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old | 12 years | Check bottle | Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt |
The Glenrothes 18 Year Old | 18 years | Check bottle | Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt |
The Glenrothes 25 Year Old | 25 years | Check bottle | Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt |
The Glenrothes whisky bottle photograph
Historic The Glenrothes Select Reserve bottle, photographed in 2008; not a current core range claim
The table records named expressions, not live stock. Bottle strength and cask treatment can vary by market and release. Always consult the producer.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about The Glenrothes
Where is The Glenrothes based?
Speyside, Scotland.
Who owns The Glenrothes?
Edrington.
What is notable about The Glenrothes?
Sherry seasoned oak influenced Speyside single malt.
Which bottles does The Glenrothes have?
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old, The Glenrothes 18 Year Old, The Glenrothes 25 Year Old. Releases and availability change.
Can you visit The Glenrothes?
Check the distillery's official visitor or tour information before making travel plans.
Sources and editorial checks
The original history, references and research remain in this guide. Whisky range and visitor information may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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