The earliest documented reference to distillation of what is now the famous Glenmorangie site was in 1703, in the 'Tain and Balnagown Documents', and in the 1730s a brewery was established on the site
Tain's first legal distillery was established by David Sutherland in the early 1820s on a site at the west end of the town. The Glenmorangie distillery is at Tain is in the county of Ross-shire, on the shores of the Dornoch Firth.
The distillery is on the Morangie burn and overlooking the Dornoch Firth and was first licensed in 1843, and at the time rather than buy brand new stills, second-hand swan necked stills that had been used in a gin distillery were used.
This is why the stills have narrow, arching swan necks, individually hand beaten into shape by skilled coppersmiths.
They are exactly 5.14 metres tall and are the tallest stills in Scotland.
Before the First World War ended Glenmorangie had passed out of local ownership, and was bought over by its largest single customer, the Leith based company Macdonald and Muir, who in turn are owned by the luxury goods company LVMH
Securing a water supply had always been a problem at the Distillery.
The Tarlogie Springs belonged to the local Laird, who leased the right to draw water from the springs to the distillery company. However, the land surrounding the spring could be used by the Laird for any purpose - a situation which could have jeopardised the quality or quantity of the water.
In the 1980s, there was a threat of building development near the springs, so Macdonald and Muir made sure that the water would be safe by buying 650 acres of the land surrounding the Tarlogie Springs.
By the beginning of the 1920s, the rigours of wartime production had passed and the Distillery was running again with its full complement of Sixteen Men
In the 1990s additional stills were added to the still house to keep up with worldwide demand for their famous Single Malt. Then, in 2002, two more fermentation vessels (washbacks) were added as demand continued to increase.
Although demand for Glenmorangie continues to grow, the distillery continues to maintain the tradition of only employing Sixteen Men, who work around the clock, all year round, only stopping each year for Christmas and essential maintenance.
Like all distillery visits a visit to Tain is a very rewarding experience.
Tain, Rossshire, IV19 1PZ
Tel: 01862-892043, Fax 01862-893862
Glenmorangie House, the home of Scotland’s Number 1 Malt Whisky is situated in the 17th century Cadboll Estate near Tain (35 miles north of Inverness).
This Highland retreat can be rented in its entirety and provides a calm and tranquil ambience with its ‘home away from home’ atmosphere and is well worth a visit.
The house is let to groups of up to 12 on a fully staffed and catered basis to a very high standard.
Cottages can provide additional accommodation for a further 9 guests.
Glenmorangie Tain L'Hermitage Wins the "Best of the Best Award in Whisky Magazines 2005 awards
The Glenmorangie Company also produce Ardberg, Glen Moray and BNJ brands.