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About Lindores Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Lindores, Scotland. Founded in 1191
The Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky — Reborn
Let’s be honest — some distilleries claim to have history. Lindores actually does. How about a documented whisky production date of 1494? That’s over 500 years ago, when a monk at Lindores Abbey made whisky (then called "aqua vitae") for King James IV. That moment is the first written record of whisky in Scotland. So yes — this place is kind of a big deal.
Fast forward to today, and the old abbey grounds have been brought back to life in the form of Lindores Abbey Distillery, which officially reopened in 2017 after years of careful planning. It’s a seamless mix of ancient legacy and modern precision, producing single malt Scotch whisky with a gentle, elegant profile — all matured on-site in a sleek, architecturally beautiful space that still nods to the ruins outside.
This isn’t just another whisky brand with a made-up backstory. Lindores is whisky history. And the best part? You can drink it.
Taste Profile
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Malty / Cereal
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Fruity |
Spicy |
Lindores whisky is clean, subtly complex, and full of bright, cereal-driven character. It’s young — but in a fresh-faced, promising sort of way.
Lindores is known for its soft, cereal-forward style with delicate fruit and subtle spice. The distillery is gaining attention for its thoughtful cask management, including bourbon, sherry, and STR wine casks. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Creamy malt and biscuit
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Fresh orchard fruits
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Light baking spices
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Gentle vanilla and oak
This is a whisky that’s bright without being boring, and young without being raw — a perfect intro to Lowland-style Scotch with a historical twist.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Apple / Pear |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Vanilla |
| Whisky | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV Single Malt | 46% | Biscuit, honey, pear drops, toasted oak, gentle spice |
| Lindores Single Cask Releases | Varies | Rare and bold: higher ABVs, distinct cask profiles |
| Lindores STR Wine Cask Edition | 49.4% | Red berries, spice, orange peel, chocolate malt |
| Lindores Bourbon Cask Edition | 49.4% | Vanilla, apple crumble, toasted cereal, soft oak warmth |
Each edition offers a slightly different take, showing how Lindores uses its casks to layer flavour without overwhelming the base spirit.
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The Distillery
Lindores Distillery
Address: Abbey Road, Newburgh, Fife, KY14 6HH, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com |
 +44 (0)1337 842547 |
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes, Lindores has a fantastic visitor centre — and it’s honestly one of the best whisky experiences you can have in the Lowlands. The setting is serene, the café is seriously good, and the tour feels personal without being preachy.
Opening Times:
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Monday to Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
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Guided Tours: Several per day — best to pre-book, especially on weekends.
The experience includes a tour through the modern distillery, a visit to the historic abbey ruins, and tastings of their single malt and aqua vitae (a spiced botanical spirit inspired by the original 1494 recipe).
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
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Drew McKenzie Smith and family – since its revival in 2017
The McKenzie Smiths have a deep connection to the site and have turned it into a passion project that respects the past while looking forward. They’ve worked with top distillers, architects, and historians to bring the abbey's whisky story full circle.
Past Ownership:
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Historically tied to Lindores Abbey monks and the Church — but modern whisky production only began again in 2017.
Distillery Facts
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Historic Roots: Located in Fife, Scotland, next to the ruins of Lindores Abbey, founded in 1191.
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First Whisky Record: In 1494, Friar John Cor was documented making "aqua vitae," the earliest known reference to Scotch whisky.
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Modern Distillery: Reopened in 2017 by the McKenzie Smith family on the historic site.
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Ingredients: Uses locally grown Concerto barley and water from an on-site borehole.
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Still Setup: Equipped with one wash still and two spirit stills.
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Flagship Whisky: Lindores MCDXCIV (1494), matured in ex-bourbon, sherry, and STR wine casks.
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Tasting Notes: Common notes include orchard fruits, honeycomb, and marzipan.
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Aqua Vitae: A botanical, unaged spirit inspired by historic distillation methods.
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Visitor Experience: Offers distillery tours, tastings, and access to the abbey ruins.
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Region: Classified as a Lowland single malt Scotch producer.
