Our Heritage
Glencadam Distillery has withstood a history of uncertainty and hardship, but this resilient spirit remains an exquisite example of an East Highland single malt.
1825
Glencadam Distillery established
Following the passing of the 1823 Excise Act, George Cooper’s son-in-law, David Scott, built Glencadam Distillery on land he rented from his father-in-law.
1825
Glencadam Distillery established
Following the passing of the 1823 Excise Act, George Cooper’s son-in-law, David Scott, built Glencadam Distillery on land he rented from his father-in-law.
1891
Gilmour Thomson and Co Ltd
Glencadam Whisky began to be used as a key constituent of new owner Gilmour Thomson’s Royal Blend, one of the favourite whiskies of King Edward VII.
1891
Gilmour Thomson and Co Ltd
Glencadam Whisky began to be used as a key constituent of new owner Gilmour Thomson’s Royal Blend, one of the favourite whiskies of King Edward VII.
1896
Charles Doig plans
Charles Cree Doig (1855-1918), the renowned Scottish architect and engineer known for introducing pagoda roof ventilators to many Scottish distilleries, drew up plans for Glencadam in 1896.
1896
Charles Doig plans
Charles Cree Doig (1855-1918), the renowned Scottish architect and engineer known for introducing pagoda roof ventilators to many Scottish distilleries, drew up plans for Glencadam in 1896.
1914-1945
World War I and World War II
With the limitation of alcohol production to protect barley supplies, most working-age men sent away to fight and the eventual complete outlaw of malt distillation, Glencadam closed temporarily during both World War I and II.
1914-1945
World War I and World War II
With the limitation of alcohol production to protect barley supplies, most working-age men sent away to fight and the eventual complete outlaw of malt distillation, Glencadam closed temporarily during both World War I and II.
1954
Glencadam purchased by Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd
In 1954, the Canadian firm, Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd, purchased Glencadam Distillery and carried out extensive refurbishment and modernisation.
1954
Glencadam purchased by Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd
In 1954, the Canadian firm, Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd, purchased Glencadam Distillery and carried out extensive refurbishment and modernisation.
1987
Bought by Allied Distillers
In 1987, Allied Distillers (formerly Allied Lyons) bought Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd and took over its UK distilling operations, including Glencadam Distillery. Its subsidiary Stewart & Son of Dundee used Glencadam Single Malt as a key constituent of its famous Cream of the Barley Blend.
1987
Bought by Allied Distillers
In 1987, Allied Distillers (formerly Allied Lyons) bought Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd and took over its UK distilling operations, including Glencadam Distillery. Its subsidiary Stewart & Son of Dundee used Glencadam Single Malt as a key constituent of its famous Cream of the Barley Blend.
2000
Glencadam Distillery mothballed
By 2000, with a surplus of product overstocking the market, Allied Domecq (formerly Allied Distillers) decided to ‘mothball’ the distillery, with the last cask filled on 28th August.
2000
Glencadam Distillery mothballed
By 2000, with a surplus of product overstocking the market, Allied Domecq (formerly Allied Distillers) decided to ‘mothball’ the distillery, with the last cask filled on 28th August.
2003
Purchased by Angus Dundee Distillers
Angus Dundee Distillers purchased Glencadam in 2003. The first mash and production run carried out by the new owners took place in August 2003, with 36 casks subsequently filled on 2nd September 2003.
2003
Purchased by Angus Dundee Distillers
Angus Dundee Distillers purchased Glencadam in 2003. The first mash and production run carried out by the new owners took place in August 2003, with 36 casks subsequently filled on 2nd September 2003.
2021
Water wheel reinstated
The distillery’s water wheel helped to power the mill and mash tun during the 19th century. In 2021, a new 32-paddle water wheel was reinstated by Brechin engineers, Ewan G. Milne Ltd, weighing 1.9 tonnes and measuring 14ft in diameter.
2021
Water wheel reinstated
The distillery’s water wheel helped to power the mill and mash tun during the 19th century. In 2021, a new 32-paddle water wheel was reinstated by Brechin engineers, Ewan G. Milne Ltd, weighing 1.9 tonnes and measuring 14ft in diameter.
2025
200th anniversary celebrations and visitor centre opened
To commemorate Glencadam’s bicentennial, the visitor centre opened in 2025, bringing the history of the distillery to life.
2025
200th anniversary celebrations and visitor centre opened
To commemorate Glencadam’s bicentennial, the visitor centre opened in 2025, bringing the history of the distillery to life.
