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Everything you need to know about Glen Ord Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Glen Ord 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky 20cl£59.99 Inc VAT -
Glen Ord 12 Year Old - I Shine Not Burn 1990s Tube£144.98 Inc VAT -
Glen Ord 12 Year Old I Shine Not Burn (No Box)£109.96 Inc VAT -
Glen Ord 12 Year Old Malt Whisky 2010 Red Wine Cadenhead's£89.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Glen Ord, Highlands Region, Scotland. Founded in 1838.
A Highland Original with a Bolc, Malty Character
Tucked just outside the village of Muir of Ord on the Black Isle (don’t let the name fool you, it’s not actually an island), Glen Ord Distillery quietly gets on with making some of the richest and maltiest whisky in the Highlands. Founded in 1838, it’s one of the oldest still-operating distilleries in Scotland — and one of the few that still does its own floor malting, which is a big deal in today’s mostly mechanised whisky world.
You might’ve come across Glen Ord under different names — most notably as part of the Singleton range (specifically Singleton of Glen Ord). That branding move by owner Diageo means this distillery’s single malt gets more attention in Asia than in the UK, which feels a bit unfair, really. Because Glen Ord makes cracking whisky — thick, nutty, oily in the best way, and full of character.
It may not have the cult buzz of Islay or the Speyside sparkle, but Glen Ord is a reliable, flavour-packed Highlander that deserves way more love on this side of the globe.
Flavour Profile:
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| Fruity | Malty / Cereal | Oaky / Woody |
Glen Ord is renowned for its malty, rich, and full-bodied Highland single malts. Thanks to traditional floor malting and slow distillation, its whisky has a chunky texture with layers of grain, spice, and orchard fruit. Age adds a gentle woodiness, and the finish is often long and warming — like fresh toast with a drizzle of honey and a hint of spice.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Apple / Pear |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Vanilla |
Popular Bottles from Glen Ord
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Singleton of Glen Ord 12 Year Old – Smooth and approachable, with balanced fruit, malt, and spice.
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Singleton of Glen Ord 14 Year Old – A bit more depth and oak influence; great for sipping slowly.
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Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Year Old – Richer, darker, and more complex — one for a quiet evening.
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Glen Ord 28 Year Old Special Release – A rare treat with deep spice, polished oak, and layered fruit.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Glen Ord Distillery
Address: A832, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, IV6 7UJ, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 Unavailable |
 +44 (0)1463 872004 |
Visitor Centre
Yes — Glen Ord does have a visitor centre, and it’s actually one of Diageo’s more polished locations. You can take guided tours, visit the tasting room, or just browse the gift shop.
Opening Times:
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Monday to Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
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(Check locally for seasonal variations or holiday closures)
Tours vary depending on how geeky you want to get — from quick intros to full deep-dive tastings.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
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Diageo (since 1997 through merger)
Past Ownership Timeline:
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1838 – Founded by Thomas Mackenzie
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Late 1800s – Mackenzie family ownership
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1930 – Scottish Malt Distillers
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1980s – United Distillers
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1997 onwards – Diageo
Glen Ord has always been about quality, but it’s never been one to shout about it. Quietly working, constantly producing, and slowly earning its reputation — the Glen Ord way.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Glen Ord Distillery is located on the Black Isle near Muir of Ord in the Highlands and was founded in 1838 by Thomas Mackenzie.
It is one of the few remaining distilleries in Scotland with large-scale on-site maltings, historically supplying malt not only for its own production but also for other distilleries.
Today, Glen Ord is owned by Diageo and is best known internationally through The Singleton of Glen Ord range, particularly in Asian markets.
Production
- Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Highlands
- Production Scale: Large modern distillery
- Malting: Significant on-site maltings operation
- Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon maturation with some sherry influence
The distillery produces a clean, fruity spirit suited to both blending and single malt bottlings.
Whisky Style
Glen Ord whisky typically shows:
- Medium-bodied texture
- Malt sweetness
- Orchard fruit and citrus
- Honey and cereal notes
- Smooth, rounded finish
Longer-aged releases can develop richer spice and oak complexity.
Key Expressions
- Singleton of Glen Ord 12 Year Old
- Singleton of Glen Ord 15 Year Old
- Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Year Old
- Occasional Diageo special releases and independent bottlings
The Singleton branding differs by region, with Glen Ord primarily representing the brand in Asia.
Significance
Glen Ord is notable for maintaining one of the largest remaining traditional maltings operations in Scotland.
Its role within The Singleton range also reflects Diageo’s strategy of using different distilleries to support region-specific global whisky branding.
Glen Ord Whisky to Buy
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