A museum of whisky production
Dallas Dhu has been a museum of whisky production since it closed down in 1983.
However, as of 1 July 2024, it has been confirmed that Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo will reopen the historic distillery, restart whisky production and turn it into a state-of-the-art visitor attraction. See Dallas Dhu distillery to re-open and start producing whisky again
It built in 1898 by Alexander Edward of the Sanquhar estate outside Forres with a characteristic pagoda-style roof designed by Scottish architect Charles C Doig.
The operation at Dallas Dhu was largely powered by steam engines and a large water wheel, up to the 1950s when it converted to electricity.
Economic pressure and an unreliable water supply forced Dallas Dhu to close in 1983, although the buildings were re-opened to the public in 1988 under Scotland’s Historic Buildings and Monument Directorate.
Historic Environment Scotland previously has operated the Category A listed building as a visitor centre and museum since 1992.
Dallas Dhu is on Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail, which also includes Benromach Distillery.
Timeline
- 1899 ‘Dallasmore’ distillery was built by Alexander Edward
- 1909: Whisky taxes increased by David Lloyd George
- 1919: Distillery sold to J P O’Brien & Co
- 1921: Distillery sold to Benmore Distillers
- 1928: Benmore acquired by Distillers Company (DCL); distillery closed
- 1936: Distillery reopened by DCL subsidiary Scottish Malt Distillers
- 1939: Fire damages building and machinery (9 April) estimated at £7000; distillery closed
- 1947: Distillery re-opens after World War 2
- 1956: Worm tubs replaced
- 1964: New washbacks, boiler and mash tun installed
- 1966: Elevator installed in malt barn
- 1969: Stills replaced
- 1971: Converted from coal heat to oil-fired steam heat
- 1983: Last barrel filled (16 March) before being closed
- 1988: Re-opened to the public
- 1992: Historic Scotland takes over
- 1993: Distilling licence withdrawn
Further information
W: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dallas-dhu-historic-distillery/Facilities
Travel itinerary planner
Dallas Dhu Distillery is in the following sections: Rather than give you a fixed itinerary, here you’ll find details of nearby attractions and links (tags) to help you find activities similar to those at this location. Don’t rush, slow down, go at your own pace and enjoy your experiences fully. You can use this information to help you plan your stay without missing a thing.- Distance from Forres: 1.7 miles
- Postcode: IV36 2RR
- What3words: shrubbery.splints.rewriting
- What’s nearby: Forres
- Tags: Waymarked walks, history, whisky (all areas)