Knockdhu Distillery

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Knockdhu Distillery was established in 1893 by John Morrison.

John Morrison had purchased the Knock estate from the Duke of Fife and shortly afterwards discovered several springs of fine water rising on the southern slopes of the Knock Hill. So taken by the quality of the water was Morrison that he sent samples away for analysis. Within a month, negotiations began, resulting in the construction of the Knockdhu Distillery at the base of the Knock Hill. The site was also chosen for its proximity to the Knock Station on the Banff branch line of the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) between Aberdeen and Elgin. Not only was the new location convenient to the railway but it was also within a few miles of a district noted both for its barley and inexhaustible source of excellent peat, both essential ingredients in fine malt whiskies.

Gordon & Macbey, of Elgin, were appointed architects and the foundations were laid in May 1893. The distillery was constructed using grey granite of local origin. Power was supplied by a steam engine of 16 horse power and, when in full production, the two pot stills could turn out 2,500 gallons of spirit per week.

Knockdhu is currently bottled under the Gaelic name anCnoc meaning "the hill".

The Distillery is owned by Inver House Distillers Limited, a privately owned distiller whose other distilleries include: The Speyburn-Glenlivet Distillery; Old Pulteney Distillery; Balblair Distillery; and, Balmenach Distillery.