Auchroisk Whisky
The name Auchroisk grew so hard for customers outside Scotland to pronounce that the distillery at one point simply gave up and sold its whisky as The Singleton instead. Today it's called Auchroisk again - pronounced 'Orth-rusk' - having reclaimed its own identity. |
About Auchroisk Whisky
Auchroisk is one of the Speyside distilleries that has historically lived quietly behind the scenes, mainly supplying blends, but with a single malt quality that deserves more attention. The distillery's origin is unusual: it was built because a nearby water source turned out to match the quality of the water used by sister distillery Glen Spey - a detail underlining just how central water quality is to Scotch whisky production. For beginners, Auchroisk offers a soft, accessible Speyside profile, while its switch to and from The Singleton makes it a curiosity collectors with a taste for whisky history appreciate.
History & Background
Auchroisk was founded in 1972 by Justerini & Brooks, after the company discovered Dorie's Well near Mulben in Banffshire. The water from the source resembled that already used at the Justerini & Brooks-owned Glen Spey distillery, making the site an obvious choice for a new plant. Production of Auchroisk whisky officially began in 1974, and the distillery's first single malt appeared in 1978. In 1986 the whisky was relaunched under the name 'The Singleton', because 'Auchroisk' proved too difficult for customers outside Scotland to pronounce - but in 2001 the distillery reverted to its original name, Auchroisk.
Production & Style
Auchroisk produces using classic Speyside methods focused on a clean, light spirit well suited to maturing in both bourbon and sherry casks. The distillery is part of Diageo's large portfolio and has historically supplied malt mainly for the group's blends, which has kept Auchroisk's single malt releases relatively rare compared with many other Speyside names.
Signature Style
Soft, Fruity, Lightly spiced
Ripe apple and pear meet a light honeyed sweetness and a touch of spice - a rounded, inviting Speyside profile with no rough edges.
Facts
| Distillery | Auchroisk Distillery |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Pronounced | Orth-rusk |
| Region | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland |
| Owner | Diageo |
| Capacity | ~4.1 million litres/year |
| Water source | Dories Well |
| Peat | Unpeated |
For Collectors
Bottles from Auchroisk's period under the name The Singleton (1986-2001) have become a niche for collectors interested in distillery name changes and the story they tell about how the whisky market has evolved.
Did You Know?
Did you know Auchroisk was built because Justerini & Brooks discovered a water source, Dorie's Well, whose water matched what was already used at their other distillery, Glen Spey - a decision made on water quality rather than location?
If You Like Auchroisk Whisky, You Should Also Try:
Glenlivet Whisky, Glenrothes Whisky og Craigellachie Whisky.