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Coleburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Longmorn by Elgin, Longmorn
Highland, IV38 8GN Scotland
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Coleburn Distillery was founded by John Robertson & Son Ltd. (blenders from Dundee) in the late 1890s and it was designed by the famous Elgin architect Charles Doig. In 1916, it was purchased by Clynelish Distillery Co. Ltd., and then in 1925, it was taken over by the partnership Distillers Company Ltd. (DCL), John Walker & Sons and John Risk. In 1930, it was then managed by Scottish Malt Distillers and DCL. At the time of its closing in 1985, it was licensed to J & G Stewart, blenders from Edinburgh.

Coleburn whisky was always intended for blending. It was a contributor to the Andrew Usher blends and was a part of the Johnny Walker blends during its more productive years. It is mostly available from independent bottlers and the occasional Rare Malts bottling. Coleburn's house style: dry, fruity, apertif.

COLEBURN 21 YEAR OLD - 1979 RARE MALT
COLEBURN 1981 CONNOISSEURS CHOICE - LABLE COURTESY OF GORDON AND MACPHAIL
COLEBURN 1981 - CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Colour: Light straw

Without water
Nose: Sweet, creamy with fresh fruit aromas - strawberries, peaches. Hints of malt - digestive biscuit and a green leafy note.

Palate: Sweet, aromatic flavours - black pepper. Herbal flavours also present. Subtle sherry notes develop.

With water
Nose: Sweet, oily aromas - nutty/butter. Hints of cooked fruits with a touch of shortbread.

Palate: Sherry wood with a drying pepperiness. A smoky note emerges.

Body: Clean

Finish: Dry, subtle smokiness.

Cask type: Refill sherry hogsheads.

Whisky style: An elegant Speysider

Tasting Notes Courtesy of Gordon and MacPhail
Coleburn Distillery
The Coleburn distillery is situated near the River Lossie and between the towns of Elgin and Rothes. This area was choosen because of the water supply and close proximity to the Great Northern Railway. This small Speyside distillery was built in the late 1890s by John Robertson & Son Ltd. It changed hands several times before closing its doors in 1985. It was mothballed just a year before DCL became part of United Distillers - which is part of Diageo.

Coleburn distillery had two stills and was licensed to J & G Stewart, blenders from Edinburgh who contributed to Usher's blends. While the distillery still stands today, is considered in good condition and has had numerous proposals to redevelop the site, it is not expected to reopen. Most of the distillery's equipment has been dismantled. In 1992, its license was not renewed.

According to The Scottish Whisky Distilleries: For the Whisky Enthusiast, in 2004, brothers Dale and Mark Winchester proposed to the Moray council developing the Coleburn distillery into a concert hall, and a hotel with restaurant and shops. Four years later, it is still closed and it remains the Coleburn distillery.