Auchroisk Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Auchroisk single malt Scotch whisky is one of Speyside’s lesser-known gems, a distillery whose spirit has long been prized by blenders but is increasingly appreciated as a distinctive single malt in its own right. Built in 1974 by Justerini & Brooks (J&B) to secure a reliable supply of malt for their blends, Auchroisk was one of the first new distilleries to open in Scotland in the 20th century and quickly earned a reputation for producing a clean, fruity spirit with a subtle complexity.

The name Auchroisk, pronounced “Orth-rusk,” comes from the Gaelic for “shallow ford across the red stream,” a reference to the nearby Mulben Burn. The distillery’s water source, the Dorie’s Well, is naturally filtered through red sandstone, contributing to the purity and softness of the spirit. This soft water, combined with long fermentation times and carefully designed copper pot stills, produces a light yet structured malt with pronounced fruit character.

For much of its history, Auchroisk was known primarily to the blending industry and to a small number of whisky enthusiasts who sought out independent bottlings. Its first official single malt appeared in the early 1980s under the name The Singleton of Auchroisk (not to be confused with The Singleton brand of later years), aimed mainly at the overseas market. In 2001, the distillery was incorporated into Diageo’s Flora & Fauna range, a series of bottlings showcasing lesser-seen distilleries, with a well-regarded 10-year-old expression that remains a favourite among collectors.

Auchroisk’s style is often described as clean, fresh, and fruity, with orchard fruit, citrus, and floral notes supported by gentle malt sweetness. Depending on maturation, it can also show honey, vanilla, and light spice from ex-bourbon barrels, or richer dried fruit and nutty tones from sherry casks. Independent bottlers such as Signatory Vintage, Gordon & MacPhail, and Douglas Laing have released excellent single cask versions, often at higher ages and cask strength, which highlight the distillery’s adaptability to different oak types.

Production capacity at Auchroisk is substantial, and while the majority of spirit still goes into blends like J&B, the distillery has maintained a steady trickle of single malt releases. Its versatility makes it a great candidate for experimentation, with some casks finished in port, wine, or rum barrels to bring additional layers of complexity.

For those who enjoy Speyside whiskies but want to explore beyond the most famous names, Auchroisk offers excellent value and individuality. Its lighter style makes it approachable for newcomers, while its fruit-forward complexity and clean distillate appeal to seasoned drinkers who appreciate subtlety over overt oak influence.

Our Auchroisk Single Malt Scotch Whisky range includes official Flora & Fauna releases, independent bottlings, and rare single cask expressions. Each bottle offers a chance to experience a distillery that has spent decades quietly contributing to some of Scotland’s most famous blends, and is now stepping into the spotlight as a single malt worth discovering in its own right.