Glen Elgin distillery is currently owned by Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverages company based in London, England. However, the distillery has had a long and interesting history of ownership before it came under the umbrella of Diageo.
The story of Glen Elgin begins in 1898 when it was founded by William Simpson and James Carle. They operated the distillery until 1930 when it was taken over by Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD), a company that played a significant role in the Scotch whisky industry. SMD, in turn, licensed the distillery to White Horse Distillers, marking the beginning of Glen Elgin's association with the White Horse blended brand.
The partnership between Glen Elgin and White Horse has remained strong over the years and continues to this day. The White Horse brand has a rich history and is known for its premium blended Scotch whiskies. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate the quality of whiskies produced by Glen Elgin and their contribution to the White Horse brand.
Glen Elgin's ownership changed again in 1985 when SMD merged with another whisky company, Distillers Company Limited (DCL), to form United Distillers (UD). UD later became part of Diageo, the current owner of Glen Elgin. Diageo is a powerhouse in the spirits industry, owning numerous well-known brands and distilleries across the globe.
As an avid whisky enthusiast, I have visited Glen Elgin distillery and witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion that goes into creating their whiskies. The distillery is located in the picturesque Speyside region of Scotland, known for its lush landscapes and whisky production. The surrounding environment undoubtedly plays a role in shaping the character of Glen Elgin's whiskies.
Ownership of a distillery can greatly influence its production methods, marketing strategies, and overall direction. Under Diageo's ownership, Glen Elgin has continued to thrive and produce exceptional whiskies. The company's resources and expertise have undoubtedly contributed to the success of this historic distillery.
Glen Elgin distillery is currently owned by Diageo, a prominent player in the spirits industry. However, its journey to its current ownership involved various transitions, including its association with the renowned White Horse brand. The ownership changes throughout its history have shaped Glen Elgin's identity and contributed to its success as a producer of high-quality Scotch whisky.