Lindores Abbey Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lindores Abbey Distillery is a modern Scottish whisky producer with an ancient claim to fame, it stands on the very site often referred to as the “spiritual home of Scotch whisky.” Historical records show that in 1494, Friar John Cor, a monk at Lindores Abbey in Fife, was commissioned by King James IV to make “aqua vitae” from eight bolls of malt, enough to produce roughly 400 bottles of whisky. This is the earliest known written reference to whisky production in Scotland, giving Lindores Abbey a unique place in whisky history.

Fast-forward more than 500 years, and whisky is once again flowing at Lindores. The distillery was founded in 2017 by Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith, who restored part of the abbey grounds to create a contemporary distilling facility while preserving the site’s historical significance. The new Lindores Abbey Distillery combines cutting-edge whisky-making equipment with an ethos rooted in tradition and authenticity.

From the outset, Lindores has embraced a field-to-glass approach, sourcing local barley from Fife and neighbouring farms. The distillery uses long fermentation times, up to 114 hours, which encourage the development of fruity and floral esters in the wash. Distillation takes place in Forsyths copper pot stills, designed to create a light yet characterful spirit, with a slow cut ensuring a clean, refined distillate.

Maturation is carried out on-site in a diverse selection of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry butts, STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) wine barriques, and other specialty casks. This variety allows Lindores to explore different flavour influences while retaining the distillery’s bright, orchard-fruit-forward spirit character.

Flavour-wise, Lindores malts tend to be fresh, fruity, and well-balanced, with notes of orchard fruit, honey, vanilla, malt sweetness, and light spice. The influence of STR casks adds a touch of red berry richness, while bourbon maturation brings creaminess and citrus brightness.

Beyond whisky, Lindores Abbey Distillery also produces Aqua Vitae, a modern interpretation of the spiced spirit Friar John Cor might have made in the 15th century. This herbal, citrus-infused drink has won awards in its own right and connects the distillery directly to its medieval origins.

Lindores has quickly built a reputation among whisky enthusiasts for delivering spirit quality well above its young age, thanks to thoughtful production methods and careful cask management. With each passing year, its stock matures further, promising even greater depth and complexity in future releases.

Our Lindores selection includes the core single malt, early limited editions, and cask strength bottlings, each offering a chance to taste both Scotland’s whisky past and its exciting present. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of bright Lowland-style malts, or a collector of modern distillery firsts, Lindores is a name worth knowing and tasting.