The History Of Clynelish

1819

Built by the Marquess of Stafford to provide a ready market for the barley grown by his tenants.

1821

The distillery is leased to James Harper, the first of three tenants who would manage the site for the best part of 80 years.

1896

Clynelish is bought by blending company Ainslie & Co.

1897

Power now comes from a steam engine, in addition to the water wheel.

1912

John Risk, already a 50% shareholder, buys the distillery and forms the Clynelish Distillery Co. Ltd.

1925

John Risk sells his shares.

1930

Scottish Malt Distillers now own 100% of Clynelish.

1931

Clynelish is another victim claimed by the depression, closing its doors in the hope that the halt isn’t permanent.

1938

Better times mean Clynelish is up and running again.

1941

After just four years, wartime barley restrictions force the distillery to close once again until 1945.

1968

Construction of a modern distillery to the south is completed. Old Clynelish closes to make room for it’s modern replacement – the distillery we know as Clynelish today.

1975

Old Clynelish is reborn as Brora Distillery, producing a peated malt.

1983

Despite its resurrection and success, Brora distillery is closed.

2008

With two additional washbacks, the distillery can now work seven days a week

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