Dallas Dhu distillery facts for kids
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| Region: Speyside | |
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| Location | Forres, Moray, Scotland |
| Owner | Alexander Edward (1898) Wright & Greig Ltd. (1899–1918) |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Status | Closed/Museum since 1992 |
| Water source | Altyre Burn |
| No. of stills | 1 wash 6,300l , 1 spirit 5,600l |
| Dallas Dhu | |
| Type | Single malt |
| ABV | 40% – 43% |
The Dallas Dhu distillery was a place where single malt Scotch whisky was made. It operated from 1899 to 1983. You can find it in Forres, Moray, Scotland. The name Dallas Dhu means "Black Water Valley" in Gaelic.
In 1899, a man named Alexander Edward designed the Dallas Dhu distillery. This was during a time when many whisky businesses were starting. He later sold his plans. The company Wright and Greg then built the distillery. It later became part of Benmore Distilleries Ltd. In 1929, this company joined a larger group called DCL. A fire damaged the stillhouse in 1939, but it was rebuilt. The distillery kept making whisky until 1983. Today, Dallas Dhu is a museum.
Contents
The Story of Dallas Dhu
Building a Whisky Distillery
The Dallas Dhu distillery was first called "Dallasmore." Alexander Edward built it in 1898. It was located near the Sanquhar estate outside Forres. The building had a special pagoda roof. This roof was designed by a Scottish architect named Charles C. Doig.
In 1899, Wright & Greig Ltd. took over the distillery. They changed its name to "Dallas Dhu." Whisky production officially began on May 29, 1899. The very first barrel was filled on June 3.
Changes and Challenges
Around 1909, new rules affected whisky making in the United Kingdom. These rules included higher taxes. They also required whisky to be aged for at least three years before being sold.
In 1919, the distillery was sold to J. P. O'Brian & Co. Then, in 1921, it was sold again to Benmore Distilleries Ltd. At this time, Dallas Dhu malt whisky was used in Benmore's blended whisky. The new owners added modern equipment. This included electric lights and machines to help with the wash backs. In 1928, Benmore was bought by the Distillers Company (DCL). The distillery then closed until 1936. It also became part of DCL's company, Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD).
Fire and Rebuilding
On April 9, 1939, a fire badly damaged the distillery. Much of its equipment was also harmed. The distillery manager's wife quickly called the Forres Fire Brigade. Firefighters arrived fast and put out the fire in four hours. The damage was estimated to cost about £7000. Because of the fire and the start of World War II, the distillery did not reopen until March 30, 1947.
Modern Updates
Until the 1950s, most of the equipment used steam engines. A large water wheel also provided power. Then, electric power was installed. The worm tubs were replaced in 1956. To meet growing demand, two more wash backs were added in 1964. A new mash tun and a boiler were also installed. An elevator was put in the malt barn in 1966. Between 1968 and 1969, the stills were replaced. In 1971, they were changed from using coal to oil-fired steam for heat.
SMD built a malting plant in Burghead. This plant was meant to provide malt for many of SMD's distilleries. Because of this, Dallas Dhu stopped using its own malting floor. The last time it was used was on March 30, 1968.
Becoming a Museum
Economic problems and an unreliable water supply led to Dallas Dhu closing in 1983. Its licence to make whisky was officially taken away in 1992. The very last barrel of whisky was filled on March 16, 1983. However, the buildings were reopened to the public in 1988. This was done by Scotland's Historic Buildings and Monument Directorate. Historic Environment Scotland has managed the property since 1992. The distillery buildings are now a special historic site.
Dallas Dhu is part of the Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail. This is a tourism project that features seven working distilleries. It also includes the Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage. This region is great for whisky makers. It has barley farms nearby, the River Spey, and is close to the port of Garmouth. Visitors to Dallas Dhu can explore the grounds. They can also learn about how Scotch whisky was made. You can tour the two-story malt barn warehouse, the kiln, and other original parts of the distillery.
Images for kids
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Dallas Dhu Distillery
