convalmore 1975

One of the great losses of the 1980s closures is Convalmore on the edge of Dufftown, near the famous names of Balvenie and Glenfiddich. For most of its life, starting in 1894, the distillery has been associated with the big names of the blending world. Initially, the Lowries before a certain James Buchanan (of Black & White fame) acquired the business as he expanded his empire. Today, Convalmore still stands but has been stripped out and is used by William Grant & Sons for warehousing. The name itself is retained by Diageo, who have until recently bottled the distillery as part of its Special Releases. The distillery was expanded a couple of times during its lifespan and famously also ran a column still for a short period in the 1910s. What remains are the whiskies themselves, which showcase a worthwhile single malt with many characteristics shared by the remaining Dufftown distilleries.