Even before its official founding in 1825, the distillery was operated for a long time by local farmers in a small valley near Balnald, Pitlochry. Replicas of the ancient production equipment, such as the Morton refrigerator, the tiny stills, the wooden washbacks, and the worm tubs, are still in operation today in the old farm buildings dating back more than 200 years.

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Throughout its long history, the distillery has survived both lean and prosperous times: from the original success story of blended Scotch whisky to its acquisition by the New York Mafia, from its takeover by a large corporation to its welcome return to independent Scottish hands - the distillery still produces handmade single malts.