Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glen Ord single malt Scotch whisky is a Highland distillery with a rich history, a unique production setup, and a distinctive, full-bodied style. Located near Muir of Ord on the Black Isle, just north of Inverness, it was founded in 1838 by Thomas Mackenzie on land owned by the MacKenzies of Ord, who had been cultivating barley in the area for centuries. From its earliest years, Glen Ord made use of local barley and pure water from the nearby Loch nam Bonnach, producing whisky both for local consumption and for trade abroad.

One of the distillery’s defining historical features is its on-site maltings, still operational today, which supply not only Glen Ord but also other distilleries within Diageo’s portfolio. This makes Glen Ord one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that still malt their own barley at scale, giving them greater control over the quality and consistency of their raw material.

Glen Ord’s production process produces a rich and textured spirit. Long fermentation times help build layers of fruity and malty flavour, while the copper pot stills are designed to create a medium- to full-bodied character with a waxy mouthfeel. This weighty spirit is particularly well-suited to long maturation, whether in ex-bourbon barrels for freshness and vanilla sweetness, or in sherry casks for added richness and spice.

For much of the 20th century, Glen Ord’s output was primarily used for blending, contributing depth and body to various brands. Its profile was relatively unknown to the wider single malt market until the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when official bottlings began to gain prominence.

Today, Glen Ord is best known for its role in Diageo’s Singleton range. Marketed in different global regions as the Singleton of Glen Ord, these bottlings — including the popular 12, 15, and 18-year-old expressions, highlight the distillery’s rich, honeyed style. They are typically matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak sherry casks, balancing bright fruit with deeper, spiced sweetness.

Independent bottlings of Glen Ord are less common than many other Highland malts, but those that appear can be excellent, particularly well-aged bourbon cask examples that emphasise orchard fruit, honey, and a waxy texture, or sherry cask versions that layer in dried fruit and dark chocolate notes.

Flavour-wise, Glen Ord often presents aromas of ripe apple, pear, and malted biscuit, with floral touches and hints of honeycomb. On the palate, it is typically full and rounded, offering sweet malt, citrus zest, and gentle spice, sometimes accompanied by a distinctive waxiness that appeals to fans of traditional Highland malts. The finish is long, malty, and slightly drying, with a lingering sweetness.

Our Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Whisky range includes the rich and well-balanced Singleton series, along with rare independent bottlings and older vintages. Whether you’re exploring Highland whisky for the first time or seeking a full-bodied malt with depth, texture, and a touch of history, Glen Ord offers an authentic taste of one of Scotland’s enduring distilleries.