Dallas Dhu

SCOTCH SINGLE MALT WHISKIES > D

Dallas Dhu is Gaelic for “ black water valley “, and the village lies six miles from the small

Village of Dallas, which gave its name to the somewhat less sleepy Texas oil city in 1845

by way of U S vice – president George Dallas, a descendant of William de Ripley, who

owned the Morayshire settlement in the 13th century.

DALLAS DHU

10 years old

40 %
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

12 years old

40 %
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

12 years old

40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
Distilled 1968
Bottled 1980
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

16 years old

40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1974
Bottled 1990
Proprietors: Benmore Distilleries Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

18 years old

40 %
Distilled 1979
Bottled 1997
Gordon & Macpahil, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

19 years old

40 %
Distilled 1979
Bottled 1998
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

21 years old

40 %
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1971
Bottled 1992
Proprietors: Benmore Distilleries Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

24 years old

60.6 %
RARE MALTS SELECTION
Natural Cask Strenght
Distilled 1970
Limited Bottling
Genummerde flessen
Benmore Distilleries, Glasgow

Dallas Dhu was built in the Highlands at the end of the nineteenth century during the years of unprecedented demand for Scotch whisky. Dallas Dhu is no longer in operation and this 24 year old is an exceptionally rare example of its single malt, distilled in a direct fired still. Is has hints of vanilla on the palate and a delightfully smooth warming finish.

Naast Dallas Dhu werden in Maart 1995 ook St. Magdalene, Brora en Millburn uitge¬bracht in de Rare Malts Selection.

DALLAS DHU

23 years old

60.0 %

Date Distilled Dec 71
Date Bottled Feb 1995
Society Cask No. code 45.6
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh

Donkerbruin van kleur. In de neus mout, sherry en scheerzeep. Vol van body. Volle krachtige smaak. Zacht met chocolade en zout. Zachte lange afdronk.

DALLAS DHU

16 years old

43 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 21.12.78
Cask no. 2614
Bottled 4.95
440 bottles
Van Wees, Holland

DALLAS DHU

21 years old

61.9%

RARE MALTS SELECTION
Natural Cask Strenght
Distilled 1975
Bottled April 1997
Limited Edition
Genummerde flessen
Wright & Greig, Glasgow
Dallas Dhu was built in 1898, silent now, its Speyside buildings are a museum to malt whisky making cared for by Historic Scotland for all to enjoy.

On tasting note the honeyed, peaty aromas and creamy hints of citrus on the perfumed palate of a smooth bodied, treacle toffe-rich, warming after dinner companion.

DALLAS DHU

18 years old

59.8%
SILENT STILLS
Distilled 21.12.78
Bottled 28.10.97
Cask No. 2629
240 bottles
Benmore Distilleries Ltd
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

Located on the outskirts of Forres, the picturesque Dallas Dhu Distillery was the last Scotch

whisky distillery to be built in the 19th century and is very typical of many small distilleries

of that time.

Designed by Alexander Edward of the Sanquhar estate outside Forres in 1898 the distillery,

originally named “Dallasmore”, features an iconic pagoda roof, designed by famous architect

Charles C. Doig.

At the time of construction, the Scotch whisky industry was growing rapidly with sales of

blended whiskies spreading across the British Empire.

Prior to production starting in 1899, the distillery was sold to the Glasgow blending company

of Wright & Creig Ltd, and was to produce malt whisky for their populair ‘ Roderick Dhu ‘

blend.

It was then, during the change in ownership, that the distillery was renamed Dalls Dhu, with

production commencing on 29th May 1899.

The first cask of whisky was filled on 3rd June 1899.

From 1919, the distillery experienced many changes in ownership, with J.P. O’ Brien acquiring the distillery, only to sell it on two years later to Benmore Distillery in 1921.

Investing heavily in the distillery, developments to the site included the installation of

electric lighting and mechanical switches for all of the wash backs.

The onset of the Great Depression forced yet another sale of the distillery in 1929, to

Distillers Company. ( D.C. L.), who latterly closed the distillery in the 1930’s.

Soon after the distillery reopened, it was badly damaged by fire on 9th April 1939.

This combined with the outbreak of World War II delayed the distillery’s re-opening until

30th March 1947.

Significant investments in the 1960s and 1970s helped bring the distillery up to date, but

economic pressures combined with an unreliable water supply forced the distillery to

close.

The last barrel was filles on 16th March 1983, and the distillery’s distilling license withdrawn

In 1992.

The buildings at the distillery were re – opened to the public in 1988, under what is now

Historic Scotland, who now run the site as a visitor museum.

DALLAS DHU

23 years old

60,8%

AUTHENTIC COLLECTION
Cask Strenght
Distilled 1979
Wood Type: Bourbon Hogshead
No. of Bottles: 204
Wm. Cadenhead Limited,
Campbeltown, Argyll
Wm. Cadenhead: an independent bottler not connected with the distiller.

Wm. Cadenhead bottles all products as single cask. To ensure all the natural character of the product we do not chill filter or ad caramel.

DALLAS DHU

30 years old

56,5 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
RARE RESERVE
Distilled 6th March 1970
Bottled 25th July 2000
Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt
for 10,950 days and nights
Butt No. 673
378 bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

22 years old

43 %
VINTAGE 1977
Distilled 20.5.77
Bottled 25.2.00
Cask No. 1122
352 bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

18 years old

43 %
VINTAGE 1982
Distilled 7th October 1982
Bottled 25th July 2001
Cask No. 1080
Natural Colour
512 Numbered Bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

23 years old

43 %
VINTAGE 1978
Distilled on 21th February 1978
Bottled on 28th January 2002
Butt No. 346
Refill Sherry
738 Numbered Bottles
738 bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

22 years old

59,7 %
VINTAGE 1978
Distilled 21.2.78
Bottled 26.5.2000
Refill Sherry Butt
Butt No. 343
452 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

21 years old

43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
Vintage 1982
Distilled on 5th August 1982
Bottled on 29th October 2003
Cask No. 690
323 Numbered Bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

23 years old

58,1 %
Vintage 1978
Matured in a refiil sherry butt
Cask Strenght
Butt No. 345
Bottled 24.8.2001
548 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburh

DALLAS DHU

21 years old

43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
VINTAGE 1982
Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled on 5th August 1982
Bottled on 14th January 2004
Cask No. 691
309 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

31 years old

50.0 %
THE OLD MALT CASK 500
Single Cask Bottling
Distilled: 1970
Bottled: 2002
211 Bottles
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd, Glasgow

DALLAS DHU

28 years old

46,4 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
VINTAGE 1975
Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled on 26.11.75
Bottled 12.1.04
Matured in bourbon barrels
Cask Nos. 2355 + 58
432 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

27 years old

50,0%

SINGLE CASK
SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date distilled Aug 75
Date bottled May 03
Society Cask code 45.12
Outturn 188 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Lèith, Edinburgh.
'Pineapple Sunshine'.

This distillery is perhaps the most easterly of the Speysides and is actually closer to the river Findhorn. It has a chequered history - built in 1899 it was silent during the Great Depression, partly destroyed by fire in 1939 and closed in 1983 due to overproduction in the industry and is now the only distillery museum in Scotland.

This example is from a barrel and is the colour of pineapple sunshine. The nose has the sweet notes of hot syrup or jam, egg custard and sticky toffee pudding - also nut oil, hardwood shavings and a faint whiff of P.V.C. A splash of water brings chamois leather, Bailey's Irish cream and fabric cleaner. The taste is sweet, creamy and smooth with vanilla and caramel notes to the fore. An interesting dram - quite spritzy for its age

DALLAS DHU

29 years old

52.0 %

SINGLE CASK
SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Society Cask code 45.14
Date Distilled Aug 75
Date Bottled Mar 05
Outturn 189 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Dregs of a coffee cup'
The name of this distillery, near Forres, means 'black water valley'. Closed in 1983, it is now a museum managed by Historic Scotland.

A refill barrel has produced this dram the co¬lour of polished maple. The initial vinegar whiff gives way to wine gums, brown sugar, con¬densed milk, gaelic coffee and orange chocolate. The neat taste is sweet with a bitter finish, like sugared grapefruit or the dregs of a coffee cup. Adding water brings citrus notes to the nose, (sherbet or Starbursts) while the palate becomes pleasantly sweet with a rich aftertaste like a dark chocolate mousse. Straight forward for its age.

DALLAS DHU

24 years old

58.3 %
CASK STRENGHT
RARE AULD SCOTCH WHISKY
Speyside Scotch Whisky
Unique Whiskies of Distinction
date distilled 04.1981
date bottled 04.2005
cask no.   387
No Chill Filtartion or
colouring of any kind
523 Numbered Bottles
523 Bottles
Fons et Origo D.T.C.
Duncan Taylor & Co, Ltd,
Huntly, Aberdeenshire

DALLAS DHU

Aged 30 years

48,3 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE 1975
CASK STRENGHT COLLECTION
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled on: 15/08/1975
Bottled on: 16/01/2006
Matured in a Bourbon Barrel
Cask No: 1495
181 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

Aged 26 years

55,7 %
CASK STRENGHT
RARE AULD SCOTCH WHISKY
Speyside Scotch Whisky
Unique Whiskies of Distinction
Fons et Origo
D T C
Date distilled: 04.1981
Cask no. 432
Date Bottled: 07.2007
204 Numbered Bottles
No Chill Filtering or
Colouring of any kind
Duncan Taylor & Co, Ltd,
Huntly, Aberdeenshire

DALLAS DHU

Aged 26 years

53,3 %
CASK STRENGHT
RARE AULD SCOTCH WHISKY
Speyside Scotch Whisky
Unique Whiskies of Distinction
Fons et Origo
D T C
Date distilled: 04.1981
Cask no. 422
Date Bottled 06.2007
111 Numbered Bottles
No Chill Filtering or
Colouring of any kind
Duncan Taylor & Co, Ltd,
Huntly, Aberdeenshire

DALLAS DHU

31 years old

47,4 %

SINGLE CASK
SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date Distilled Aug 75
Date Bottled Jul 07
Society Cask No. 45.21,

Cask Type Refill Barrel
Outturn 166 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Fiery and sweet'
The distillery near Forres was set in aspic in 1986 as an industrial museum

managed by Historic Scotland, so its make is getting rare. This example is

drawn from a refill barrel, which after more than thirty years has given the

spirit the colour of a sunset – deep gold with orange lights. The nose is

heavy, a bit like face cream, then comes Italian Panatone , light sponge, with

vanilla, almonds, dried fruits, cherries, Amoretto. Gorgeous flavour – sweet

then mouth – drying, with a medium length finish. Water does’t change the

nose, but reduces it lightly. So drink this one straight, to obtain the full

benefit.

DALLAS DHU

32 years old

47,9 %
1975
Highland Single Malt
MANUFACTUM
Distilled: 15.8.1975
Bourbon Barrel
Cask no: 1492
Bottled August 2007
Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

25 years old

40 %
Single Highland Malt
Scotch Whisky
Distilled 1982
Bottled 2007
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

DALLAS DHU

Aged 32 years

47,9 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
CASK STRENGHT COLLECTION
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
1975
Distilled on: 15/08/1975
Matured in a Bourbon Barrel
Cask no. 1491
Bottled on; 21/08/2007
189 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd,

Edinburgh

DALLAS DHU

Aged 33 years

48,3 %

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Society Single Cask no. 45.25
THE ANNIVERSARY 25 YEARS
1983 - 2008
Distilled August 1975
Cask Refill Barrel / Ex Bourbon
176 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
' The sting of a bee'
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been passed

under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for a release as a Society

bottling. Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members are selected, true to our motto: ‘ To leave no nose upturned’

The nose is heady, perfumed, floral and rich . Honey with a hint of caramel sweetness. With

water the nose is fruity. Rich, thick honey with fresh tobacco to taste and with water – fresh

leather and chestnuts. An exellent whisky

Like walking through the garden on a summer evening the nose is heady, perfumed, floral and

rich. Honey was the dominant character on the nose with a hint of caramel sweetness. With

water the nose was over all tutti fruitti – strawberries, cranberries and blackberries, it was more fruity than floral.

The taste was sublime – rich, thick honey with a fresh tobacco sting. Adding only a drop of

water there was fresh leather and chestnuts on the palate. Everybody on the Panel thought

this is one of the best whiskies they have had in some time. If you haven’t had an opportunity

to taste a whisky from this long gone distillery then try this one

DALLAS DHU

Aged 29 years

53.0 %
CASK STRENGHT RARE AULD
SCOTCH WHISKY
Unique Whiskies of Distinction
Fons et Origo
D T C
Est. 1938
Speyside Scotch Whisky
Date distilled: 04.1981
Cask no: 388
Date bottled: 05.2010
271 Numbered bottles
No Chill Filtering or Colouring of any kind
Duncan Taylor & Co, Huntly.

DALLAS DHU

1 9 8 0
30 years old

46.0 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE
MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
RARE RESERVE
Speyside Single Malt
Distilled: 11/12/80
Matured in a Hogshead
Cask no:2110
Bottled: 27/01/11
310 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltered
Selected by The Ultimate Whisky Company, NL

DALLAS DHU

34 years old 43 %
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 1 9 7 9
Bottled 2 0 1 3
Bottled by Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
Dallas Dhu Distillery was built in 1899 by Wright % Greig,

a Glasgow based blending company. The Distillery ceased

production in 1983 and is currently a museum.

Fresh and fruity initially with influences of green apples

and pears, Subtle hints of vanilla with white chocolate

and a creamy finish.

DALLAS DHU
35 years old 40 %
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 1 9 7 5
Bottled 2 0 1 0
Bottled by Gordon & Macphail, Elgin

Located on the outskirts of Forres, the picturesque Dallas Dhu Distillery was the last Scotch

whisky distillery to be built in the 19th century and is very typical of many small distilleries

of that time.

Designed by Alexander Edward of the Sanquhar estate outside Forres in 1898 the distillery,

originally named “Dallasmore”, features an iconic pagoda roof, designed by famous architect

Charles C. Doig.

At the time of construction, the Scotch whisky industry was growing rapidly with sales of

blended whiskies spreading across the British Empire.

Prior to production starting in 1899, the distillery was sold to the Glasgow blending company

of Wright & Creig Ltd, and was to produce malt whisky for their populair ‘ Roderick Dhu ‘

blend.

It was then, during the change in ownership, that the distillery was renamed Dalls Dhu, with

production commencing on 29th May 1899.

The first cask of whisky was filled on 3rd June 1899.

From 1919, the distillery experienced many changes in ownership, with J.P. O’ Brien acquiring the distillery, only to sell it on two years later to Benmore Distillery in 1921.

Investing heavily in the distillery, developments to the site included the installation of

electric lighting and mechanical switches for all of the wash backs.

The onset of the Great Depression forced yet another sale of the distillery in 1929, to

Distillers Company. ( D.C. L.), who latterly closed the distillery in the 1930’s.

Soon after the distillery reopened, it was badly damaged by fire on 9th April 1939, with

Until

This combined with the outbreak of World War II delayed the distillery’s re-opening until

30th March 1947.

Significant investments in the 1960s and 1970s helped bring the distillery up to date, but

economic pressures combined with an unreliable water supply forced the distillery to

close.

The last barrel was filles on 16th March 1983, and the distillery’s distilling license withdrawn

In 1992.

The buildings at the distillery were re – opened to the public in 1988, under what is now

Historic Scotland, who now run the site as a visitor museum.

Cooling water came from Blair’s Burn

Process water came from the Altyre Burn also named Scouri burn

Dallas Dhu’s barley was locally cultivated and was crushed by Vickers Mill, a converted

Boby Mill

When in full production eack week 3.3 metric tones of grist went into 12 weekly mashes.

The Mash tun with a copper lid had a capacity of 13000 litres

The 6 Wooden wash backs made from Oregon pine each with a capacity of 17000 litres

1 onion shaped wash still with a capacity of 18000 litres, and 1 onion shaped spirit still

with a capacity of 17.400 litres

Both the wash- and spirit stills had features which contributed to a unique reflux profill –

steep slanting shoulders and narrow nearly horizontal lyne arms

Cooling was by submerged worms.

Capacity was about 750.000 litres

Most whisky was for their blended whiskies Roderick Dhu and Benmore

Speyside
DALLAS DHU

Forres, Morayshire. Eigendom van Scotland's Historic Buildings & Monuments Directorate.
Gesloten in 1983.

Dallas Dhu was één van de distilleerderijen ontstaan met de medewerking van Alexander Edward en werd gebouwd op zijn landgoed Sanqyar bij Forres.
Alexander Edward was ook betrokken bij Benrinnes, Craigellachie en Aultmore. Dallas Dhu en Benromach stonden op land dat in zijn bezit was.

Dallas Dhu is Keltischvoor zwart water.

Het stadje Dallas gaf ook zijn naam aan de Amerikaanseoliestad Dallas in 1845, door middel van George Dallas,vice president van de V.S. en nakomeling van William de Ripley, die de eigenaar van de nederzetting was in de 13e eeuw.

Dallas Dhu werd gebouwd in 1898 voor Wright & Greig Ltd, whiskyblenders te Glasgow. Dallas Dhu kwam in 1899 in bedrijf. Wright & Greig Ltd was verkoopagent van de Auchtertool distilleerderij te Kircaldy omstreeks 1876.

Een paar jaar later begonnen ze met het blenden en hun bekendste merk was Roderick Dhu genoemd naar één van de hoofdpersonen in Sir Walter Scott's 'The Lady of the Lake'.Roderick Dhu werd vooral veel verkocht in Australië,Nieuw Zeeland en India. Roderick Dhu wordt nu nog alleen in de winkel van Dallas Dhu verkocht.

De plek voor Dallas Dhu was goed gekozen, goed water uit de Altyre Burn, gerst in de direkte omgeving en vlakbij een spoorlijn, Highland's Railway's Aviemore to Forres Line.Architekt was Charles Chree Doig.

Het was het hoogtepunt van de whiskyboom, er werden in die periode 19 distilleerderijen geopend in de Speyside.De instorting van de whiskymarkt, ingeluid door het frauduleus bankroet van de blenders Pattison te Leith was volledig.

Het kapitaal van Wright & Greig werd verminderd tot één derde in 1910. In 1919 ging Wright & Greig in liquidatie, zoals zoveel anderen.

Dallas Dhu werd gekocht door J.P. O'Brien, die de distilleerderij bijna onmiddelijk doorverkocht aan Benmore Distilleries Ltd, eigenaars van twee distilleerderijen in Campbeltown, Benmore en Lochhead en Lochindaal op Islay.

Benmore sloot in 1927, Lochhead in 1928 en Lochindaal in 1929.

In 1929 werd Benmore Distilleries Ltd overgenomen door The Distillers Company Ltd en ontmantelde de twee distilleerderijen te Campbeltown.

Dallas Dhu sloot van 1929 tot 1936.
Dallas Dhu werd weer opgestart door The Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd.
De licentiehouders bleven Benmore Distilleries Ltd.
In April 1939 brandde het ketelhuis uit met een schade van £ 7000.

Tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog was Dallas Dhu gesloten.
In 1947 werd Dallas Dhu weer opgestart.
In 1963 kreeg Dallas Dhu nieuwe ketels.

In 1983 was Dallas Dhu één van de elf distilleerderijen die werd gesloten, als gevolg van overproduktie.Historic Buildings and Monuments Directorate zocht in die tijd naar een distilleerderij om te behouden voor de toekomst, Dallas Dhu werd hiervoor uitgezocht.

Reden voor deze beslissing was de heel originele staat van de distilleerderij. Dallas Dhu, hoewel één van de mooiste whiskies van Schotland werd Dallas Dhu niet vergroot in de voorspoedige jaren, en ook niet gemoderniseerd als gevolg van het eerste, omdat de waterhoeveelheid niet voldoende was om een grotere produktie te voeden.

Het water voor de distilleerderij komt van Altyre Burn.
De Mah tun is 3.32 ton.
De Wash backs (zes stuks) zijn elk groot 7500 liter.
Er staat één Wash still van 6377 liter en één Spirit still van 5623 liter.

De plaats Dallas in de Verenigde Staten is vernoemd naar George Mifflin Dallas, wiens Schotse voorouders uit deze streek kwamen.

Dallas Dhu was built in the Highlands at the end of the nineteenth century during the years of unprecedented demand for Scotch whisky. Dallas Dhu is no longer in operation and this 24 year old is an exceptionally rare example of its single malt, distilled in a direct fired still. Is has hints of vanilla on the palate and a delightfully smooth warming finish.
Naast Dallas Dhu werden in Maart 1995 ook St. Magdalene, Brora en Millburn uitgebracht in de Rare Malts Selection.

October 2005
Diageo has announced that its 2005 Annual Rare Malts Selection will be the last.
The collection will consist of four cask strenght single malts from closed distilleries; Glen Mhor 28 years old, Millburn 35 years old, Glendullan 26 years old and Linkwood 30 years old.
Dr. Nicholas Morgan, global malts marketing director commented: 'As the Special Releases are now well established, it makes less sence to continue selecting and promoting a parallel series of Rare Malts with his own separate indentity'.
In future, all premium and rare whiskies will be made available in the annual Special Releases series.

1898

Built by Alexander Edward
Alexander Edward owned large expanses

of land around Forres and both
Dallas Dhu and Benromach were built on

his lands
Alexander Edward was also involved is

the establishment of Aultmore,
Benromach, Craigellachie and was for

some years the owner of Benrinnes
and Oban

Architect was Charles Doig
It was first named Dallasmore

1899

Production starts The distillery name

is now Dallas Dhu ,Wright & Creig blenders

of Roderick Dhu buys the distillery
1919

Dallas Dhu is sold to the blenders

J.P.O. Brien & Co
1920

Benmore Distilleries Ltd, owners of Benmore,

Lochead and Lochindaal buys Dallas Dhu
1929

Distillers Company Limited, (D.C.L.)

takes Benmore Distilleries Ltd over
1930

Dallas Dhu is transferred to

Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd (S.M.D.)

Dallas Dhu is closed
1937

Dallas Dhu reopens
1938

The stillhouse is completely destroyed

by a fire and the distillery is forced to close
1947

Dallas Dhu reopens
1983

Production stops in March
1986

Historic Scotland purchases the distillery
1988

Dallas Dhu opens as a tourist attraction

managed by Historic Scotland
1995

Dallas Dhu 24 years old and from 1970

is launched as a Rare Malt
1997

Dallas Dhu 1975, 21 years old is launched

as a Rare Malt

Located on the outskirts of Forres, the picturesque Dallas Dhu Distillery was the last Scotch
whisky distillery to be built in the 19th century and is very typical of many small distilleries
of that time.

Designed by Alexander Edward of the Sanquhar estate outside Forres in 1898 the distillery,
originally named "Dallasmore", features an iconic pagoda roof, designed by famous architect
Charles C. Doig.

At the time of construction, the Scotch whisky industry was growing rapidly with sales of
blended whiskies spreading across the British Empire.

Prior to production starting in 1899, the distillery was sold to the Glasgow blending company
of Wright & Creig Ltd, and was to produce malt whisky for their populair ' Roderick Dhu '
blend.

It was then, during the change in ownership, that the distillery was renamed Dallas Dhu, with
production commencing on 29th May 1899.

The first cask of whisky was filled on 3rd June 1899.

From 1919, the distillery experienced many changes in ownership, with J.P. O' Brien acquiring

the distillery, only to sell it on two years later to Benmore Distillery in 1921.

Investing heavily in the distillery, developments to the site included the installation of
electric lighting and mechanical switches for all of the wash backs.

The onset of the Great Depression forced yet another sale of the distillery in 1929, to
Distillers Company. ( D.C. L.), who latterly closed the distillery in the 1930's.

Soon after the distillery reopened, it was badly damaged by fire on 9th April 1939.

This combined with the outbreak of World War II delayed the distillery's re-opening until
30th March 1947.

Significant investments in the 1960s and 1970s helped bring the distillery up to date, but
economic pressures combined with an unreliable water supply forced the distillery to
close.

The last barrel was filled on 16th March 1983, and the distillery's distilling license withdrawn
In 1992.

The buildings at the distillery were reopened to the public in 1988, under what is now
Historic Scotland, who now run the site as a visitor museum.

Water: Altyre Burn
Mash tun: 1 x 3.32 tonnes
Washbacks: 6 x 7500 litres
1 x wash still x 6377 litres
1 x spirit still x 5623 ltres

Cooling water came from Blair's Burn
Process water came from the Altyre Burn also named Scouri burn
Dallas Dhu's barley was locally cultivated and was crushed by Vickers Mill, a converted Boby Mill
When in full production eack week 3.3 metric tones of grist went into 12 weekly mashes.
The Mash tun with a copper lid had a capacity of 13000 litres

The 6 Wooden wash backs made from Oregon pine each with a capacity of 17000 litres

1 onion shaped wash still with a capacity of 18000 litres, and 1 onion shaped spirit still
with a capacity of 17.400 litres

Both the wash- and spirit stills had features which contributed to a unique reflux profill -
steep slanting shoulders and narrow nearly horizontal lyne arms

Cooling was by submerged worms.

Capacity was about 750.000 litres

Most whisky was for their blended whiskies Roderick Dhu and Benmore

This whisky is rarely seen, but when it does emerge from the shadows it shows a sweet fruited edge, some honey, oiliness and a wisp of peat smoke. Dallas, incidentally, is a hamlet close to Forres.

Dallas Dhu was the last of the Speyside distilleries to be connected with that great Victorian entrepreneur Alexander Edward [see Aultmore, Craigellachie, and Benromach], the site for the plant being on his estate. In 1898, he hired the legendary distillery architect Charles Doig to build the new plant and a year later it was in full production. The year after he had sold it to the blending firm Wright & Greig, whose brand was Roderick Dhu.

It passed into the hands of Benmore Distillers which became part of DCL in 1929. Wright & Greig itself followed suit and its old HQ in Glasgow would in time become the home of DCL’s engineering division.

Like many distilleries, it was silent throughout the 1930s – it also caught on fire in 1939 – and wasn’t operational again until 1947.

It was closed in 1983 and sold to Historical Scotland in 1986 who opened it as a distillery museum.

1898

Dallas Dhu is built by Alexander Edward

1899

The site is sold to Wright & Greig

1919

The distillery is bought by J.P.O’Brien

1921

Another change of hands sees Benmore

Distilleries take control

1929

Benmore is bought by DCL

1931

Dallas Dhu becomes a part of SMD.

1930-36

The distillery falls silent for six years

1939

A distillery fire forces Dallas Dhu to close

once again

1947

Production restarts at the distillery

1983

Dallas Dhu is closed for the last time

1986

The site is sold to Historic Scotland who

run it as a distilling museum

Historic Scotland

1986 - present (distillery)

Diageo

1997 - present (brand)

PREVIOUS OWNERS

United Distillers

1986 - 1997 (brand)

Distillers Company Limited

1929 - 1986

Benmore Distilleries Ltd

1921 - 1929

JP O'Brian & Co

1919 - 1921

Wright & Greig Ltd

1899 - 1919

Alexander Edward

1898 - 1899

SILENT SPEYSIDE DISTILLERY COULD REOPEN

August 2018

Another of Scotland’s silent distilleries could be given a new lease of life after the Scottish government launched an appeal for third parties to develop the site.

Dallas Dhu distillery in Forres, Moray

Whisky resurrection: Dallas Dhu has been silent since 1983, but could be operational once more

Dallas Dhu distillery in Forres, Moray, closed in 1983 but has since been preserved as a distillery museum by government agency Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Now HES is seeking investment and development ideas from interested individuals or companies, with the possibility of recommencing distilling.

Should Dallas Dhu restart whisky production, it will become the fourth silent distillery to reopen in recent years, following the redevelopment of Port Ellen, Brora and Rosebank.

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: ‘Given the unique nature of the site, we are keen at this stage not to limit the scope of potential interest, so interested parties can apply either on their own, or as part of a group, as well as submitting ideas for different parts of the site.

‘The aim is to look at opportunities to explore different options to build on Dallas Dhu’s distinct heritage and offering, to encourage opportunities for use which will enhance the site and its existing visitor offer.’

Areas for development could include the storage of whisky casks in Dallas Dhu’s historic dunnage warehouse, an extension to the visitor experience, the introduction of a whisky academy, as well as the potential to distil whisky, gin, or rum on-site.

‘Once ideas have been submitted we will then move to create a short list and explore the ideas in more detail.’

Part of the Malt Whisky Trail, Dallas Dhu was built in 1898 by Victorian entrepreneur Alexander Edward, who also erected the Aultmore, Craigellachie and Benromach distilleries.

Shortly after opening, Dallas Dhu was sold onto a blending firm and eventually wound up in the ownership of Distillers Company Ltd, the precursor to Diageo.

Grain store: Dallas Dhu now functions as a distillery museum under HIstoric Environment Scotland

The distillery experienced long periods of closure during the early 1900s, staying closed for almost a decade following a serious fire in 1939.

During the whisky downturn of the 1980s, Dallas Dhu was eventually closed and sold to Historic Environment Scotland in 1986.

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland added that the distillery is not expected to be sold in its entirety.

‘It is not anticipated that there will be any changes to the guardianship arrangement but rather we are keen to work with partners to explore avenues to maximise the potential of the site, building on its distinct heritage and origins,’ they said.

Richard Lochhead MSP, who campaigned to persuade HES to develop the site, said the proposals are ‘good news at long last’.

‘Dallas Dhu is spectacular and unique distillery and is also Scotland’s only historic distillery with the potential to restart production of a famous whisky at a time when the industry is booming,’ he said. ‘Not only that but there is scope for the site to play a wider role in the Scotch whisky sector and local tourism.

‘It is crying out for investment and is overflowing with opportunity.

‘I’ve already had exciting and creative ideas suggested by very serious players in the industry and hopefully now these can be taken forward soon and we can also have Dallas Dhu back on the shelves.’

DALLAS DHU 50 YEARS OLD, 1969,

PRIVATE COLLECTION

(GORDON & MACPHAIL)

SCORE

Scoring explained >

Dallas Dhu 50 Years Old, 1969,

Private Collection (Gordon & Macphail)

ABV

43.1%

PRODUCTION TYPE

Single malt whisky

REGION

Speyside

FLAVOUR CAMP

Rich & Round

NOSE

Rich and elegant with chocolate leading the way, before things take an exotic, spicy turn with the arrival of five spice and tamarind along with light Sherried funkiness. As it settles, so you pick out dried fruits, coffee cake and oak. Like any ancient whisky it needs time (and hey, at this price you’re not going to shoot it) and this allows a slightly waxy element to develop along with (weirdly) pickled rhubarb. In time, you get more classical mature notes of cigar, hinoki and roasting coffee beans. A drop of water reintroduces those exotic notes of scented woods, incense and fig, but as we’ll see it plays havoc with the palate.

PALATE

An expansive and lightly resinous start with the dried fruits now mixed with hawthorn jam. There’s tannins for sure, but they remain pretty supple although things do begin to dry towards the back palate, becoming almost smoky – think pu-erh tea. Water flattens the effect and brings out more bitterness, so don’t add it.

FINISH

Rich. Liquorice and dark fruits.

CONCLUSION

A rare beast indeed and one which has held up remarkably well.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

‘I dreamt of colourful flowers that blossom in May… you’re surely laughing at the dreamer who saw flowers in winter’