Cabrach whisky returns to Speyside after 170 years, and it tastes of butterscotch, vanilla and toffee

The famously remote area of Cabrach, in north-east Scotland, is set to witness the revival of its whisky-making heritage with the launch of the Cabrach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery. 

Scheduled to open this summer, the distillery is the focal point for local charity The Cabrach Trust, and heralds the return of whisky production to the area, in turn breathing new economic life into the region, and providing a roadmap for community regeneration.

“The idea is to get a 21st century distillery inside a 19th century steading.  It’s a special, inspirational project,” we’re told. 

The idea is to get a 21st century distillery inside a 19th century steading.  It’s a special, inspirational project…

Situated on the southern edge of Moray, Cabrach is renowned for its historical significance in the Scotch whisky industry, once being a hub of illicit stills and smuggling activities.

Operating as a social enterprise, the distillery’s future revenue will contribute to The Cabrach Trust’s community regeneration objectives, aiming to create permanent, skilled employment opportunities and attract visitors to explore the area’s whisky history and natural beauty.

“We are now within touching distance of that first distillation…” 

Setting the tone, The Cabrach Trust unveiled its inaugural whisky at a tasting event at the Spey Bar, in London. The Luxe Review was invited along for an early sip.

The Feering Early Harvest has been crafted by Alan Winchester, former master distiller of The Glenlivet, and is a blend of whiskies from four local Speyside distilleries.

A feering is a farming term that refers to the first furrow ploughed.

Limited to 6,000 bottles globally, The Feering hopes to entice whisky enthusiasts with a taste of the region’s rich heritage, and it’s certainly a delightful dram. 

“I normally add a wee drop of water when I’m nosing,” says Master Blender Winchester, as he pours the liquid.

Bottled at 46 per cent ABV and non-chill filtered, The Feering Early Harvest has the colour of wan sunlight.

On the nose it offers newly mown lawns and gentle floral notes, leading to a palate of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla. It’s approachable but complex.

There will be two more releases, but they will be blended differently, reveals Winchester.

Simultaneously the Trust is launching The Cabrach Collective, an exclusive members club, limited to exactly 1,849 members, a number chosen in tribute to the year the distillery’s original steadings were built. Exclusive bottlings and distillery access are early benefits.  

Cabrach’s The Feering Early Harvest is priced at £75 and available now from The Whisky Shop.