Dallas Dhu in Moray Speyside will once again operate as a working distillery thanks to a joint operation between Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Aceo Distillers Company Limited (Aceo).
The century-old distillery is to be transformed into a unique cultural monument, which will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the traditional methods of whiskey production.
Built by businessman Alexander Edward in the late 19th century, Dallas Dhu closed its doors in 1983 before reopening as a museum in 1992.
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HES wants the focus of the distillery to showcase the rich history of Speyside whiskey and the art of making traditional Scotch whisky.
Aceo is planning improvements that include bonded warehouses, the eventual reintroduction of traditional whiskey production and a new visitor centre.
Stephen Duncan, director of marketing and engagement at HES, hopes the reopening of Dallas Dhu as a distillery will bring opportunities to the local community.
He said: “Dallas Dhu offers a unique opportunity to showcase traditional distilling techniques as a living history attraction.
“This reopening marks a new chapter for the distillery and we are confident it will attract visitors while benefiting the local community and economy.”
HES has confirmed it will retain custody of the site on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes welcomed the opening of the distillery as “fantastic” news for the Forres community and for Scottish heritage.
She said: “This collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo marks the start of a new chapter for the famous Dallas Dhu Distillery.
“Re-introducing whiskey production and expanding the visitor experience will breathe new life into a historically significant distillery and show how Scotland’s valuable heritage can be preserved and revitalized so that places like Dallas Dhu continue to develop and flourish.
“This is fantastic news for the local community in Forres and I look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will bring.”
HES confirmed the investment will prioritize sustainable improvements to the distillery to ensure the historic and artisanal nature of the distilling process remains central to Dallas Dhu.
The distillery is best known for producing malt whiskey for the popular Roderick Dhu blend for nearly a century.
Edward Odim, CEO of Aceo, plans to make Dallas Dhu a must-see whiskey distillery in Scotland.
He said: “The Aceo team is excited to reopen the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery.
“Our vision is to make Dallas Dhu one of the premier must-see whiskey distilleries in Scotland, providing visitors with a unique up-close whiskey-making experience.
“The aim is to breathe life into the distillery by first bringing the original equipment back into operation and restarting traditional whiskey distillation. This revived, long-lost spirit will mature in the well-preserved Victorian warehouses at Dallas Dhu.
“The longer-term plan is for a state-of-the-art visitor center with exhibition and museum spaces and a cafe/restaurant to be enjoyed by visitors and the local community.
“There will be a cooperage exhibiting the art of cooperage, a working malthouse and an interactive virtual reality whiskey experience that delves into the science behind Scotland’s famous spirit. But as well as showing how whiskey is made, we intend to tell the social and economic story – past and present – ​​of whiskey production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whiskey producing region.
“So it’s time we rolled up our sleeves and set about reviving this jewel in the crown of Scotch whiskey distilleries.”