Big Things Come in Small Packages – 4 of Scotland’s Smallest Distilleries

Everybody has a happy place. A place so special that just the thought of being there lifts their spirits and makes them feel happier than a pig in…mud. For me, I’ve several, and you probably won’t be shocked to learn that most of them are scattered across Scotland’s stunning whisky regions.

If you’re a regular reader of the GreatDrams blogs, you’ll know just how happy visiting a distillery makes me. Seriously, when I visit one, I feel like Charlie from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, just without that freeloading Grandpa Joe tagging along.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit distilleries all over the world, and if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that no two distilleries are exactly alike. I’ve visited vast distilleries capable of producing millions of spirit every single year, and I’ve visited smaller, independent distilleries that operate on a much smaller scale. It’s these smaller, more wee Scottish delights that I want to chat to you about today.

Here’s a quick look at some of Scotland’s smallest whisky distilleries, and the exceptional drams they produce.

Edradour

Despite the fact that there are now several newer kids on the block contending for the title of ‘Scotland’s Smallest Distillery’ Edradour is probably the most recognised. It’s certainly one of the oldest.

Edradour, which as of this writing is sadly temporarily closed to the public, was founded in 1825. This distillery, which is now two centuries old, gets its name from Eadar Dhà Dhobhar (Scottish Gaelic for ‘between two rivers). It was originally part of a consortium of farmers and is currently under ownership of the Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Company.

This quaint little distillery is located in Pitlochry, tucked away neatly within the breathtaking Perthshire hills at the foot of the Cairngorms. Despite its small size, the distillery still has an annual capacity of 95,000 litres of spirit, which is almost enough to see me through the year (Don’t worry, I’m of course joking. 90,000 litres per annum is more than enough for me).

Once it re-opens, if you’re ever in the region, you have to visit this distillery as it’s a real throwback and is full of rustic, old-timey charm. They produce more than 25 expressions of whisky using some of the last-remaining equipment in Scotland.

As we’re in the run up to Christmas, I always think of Edradour as their drams are packed full of Christmas flavours, notes, and aromas. Their 10 Year Old Distillery Expression is especially popular over the holiday season thanks to its heavy sherry, almond, and Christmas cake notes.

Strathearn

From a distillery more than two centuries old, to one a little older than one decade, we’re next heading to Perth and Kinross, to the village of Metheven to learn more about Strathearn Distillery.

For many years, Edradour was widely recognised as the smallest distillery in Scotland. In 2013, when Strathearn Distillery was founded, Edradour lost its title.

This Highland distillery is now considered the smallest in Scotland, featuring just 1 wash still and 1 spirit still. It was purchased in 2022 by Douglas Laing & Co, who actually doubled the distillery’s whisky production capacity. What’s especially interesting about Strathearn, to me at least, is the fact that their whisky ferments for such a long time, averaging 144 hours.

Strathearn’s size and unique production methods have actually become somewhat of a USP (Unique Selling Point) for them, as they state that they prioritise taste and flavour over alcohol yield. They also use a unique grain of malt known as Maris Otter, which helps give the whisky great body, a creamy mouthfeel, and amplified malt notes.

Oban

Next up, we have the oldest distillery on my list today, Oban, which was founded all the way back in 1794. This makes it not only one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, but also one of the oldest. How cool is that?

The distillery is found on Scotland’s west coast, on the historical port of Oban where the Scottish Highlands join the Islands. It was actually constructed before the town of the same name was even built. Established by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson, it is currently owned by drinks giants Diageo and despite its small size, also features a charming visitor centre.

This coastal distillery has a max capacity of 670,000 litres of spirit per annum, and has just 2 stills. The whisky produced here is like a hybrid blend of sweeter Highland malts, coupled with the brinier, peated, smokier drams you’d find on the Islands. This is especially evident in their multi award-winning Oban 14 year old West Highland Malt.

Nc’Nean

And finally, last, but by no means least, we’re sticking with Scotland’s west coast and are travelling to Morvern/Morven to the Nc’Nean Distillery.

I’ve a soft spot for this distillery, despite it being the youngest on my list today, because they emphasise sustainability up there. This B-Corp certified distillery utilises renewable energy, offsets their carbon emissions via forest planting, and uses recycled glass bottles to produce exceptional organic, sustainable whisky. As you know, we’re all about recycling here at GreatDrams which is why, unless stated otherwise, we use recycled packaging that may have been used before.

Nc’Nean (pronounced Nc-Knee-Anne) was founded in 2017 by Annabel Thomas. It has just two copper pot stills which are powered by 100% renewable energy. The distillery was also the very first in the UK to reach net zero Carbon emissions for scopes 1 and 2 during their whisky production process.

The barley they use in their whisky production is 100% organic Scottish barley grown locally. They also like to experiment with fermentation times, and strains of yeasts as part of their ‘experimental season’. Here, they use unusual strains of yeast such as winemaker’s yeast, traditional distiller’s yeast, and even strains used to make rum to produce some extremely unique and fruity flavours. They also have some of the most gorgeous packaging I’ve ever seen.

Keep your eyes on Nc’Nean, because despite their small size, they’re really making waves in the world of whisky.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: ScotlandSmallest Distilleries

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.