History

Ownership and heritage

The Cairn Distillery is owned by Gordon & MacPhail, a fourth-generation family business. The history mentions Benromach Distillery, which Gordon & MacPhail acquired in 1993, and describes The Cairn as the natural next generation in a family of pioneers and legacy-builders.

Vision and location

The distillery is located in the Cairngorms National Park and is a modern home for adventurers and whisky lovers; the mission is to showcase the best of Scotland through the wildness of the surroundings and a discerning palate.

History in the making

The Cairn is a new era for heritage and innovation and for engaging future generations.

Production / Manufacture

Local ingredients and water

We use local ingredients: Scottish-grown barley and water from subterranean sources deep beneath the Cairngorms National Park.

Environment and design

Environmental responsibility is central: turf roofs, planting Aspen along the River Spey, and protecting and improving the surrounding habitat and wildlife; the distillery's design focuses on preserving the cleanliness and temperature of the water and maximizing flavor and character through a meticulous approach.

CRN57° Whisky

CRN57° is a range of blended malts created by our master blenders; core range 12YO, 18YO, 25YO, 30YO; premium 57YO, 70YO; limited edition steps One (12YO), Two (14YO), Three (13YO); Step One is sold out; Step Two was launched in 2024; Step Three in 2025; first single malts expected in the 2030s.

Tasting notes (examples)

• CRN57° 12YO: cinnamon, raspberries, chocolate orange; - CRN57° 18YO: strawberry and cream; - CRN57° 25YO: rum and raisins, brown sugar; - CRN57° 30YO: toffee, candied fruit, licorice; - CRN57° 57YO: pepper, coffee, dried tobacco; - CRN57° 70YO: kumquat, tobacco, mint; - Step One: raspberry compote, orange, marzipan; - Step Two: citrus, berries, light smoke; - Step Three: 13-year blended malt notes.

Visits / Experiences

Tours & Experiences

• Explorer Experience: 60 minutes / £25pp; introduction to the distillery and maturation.
• Adventurer Experience: 90 minutes / £60pp; further exploration of production and three drams in the Top Floor Lounge with tapas.
• Voyager Experience: 180 minutes / £350pp; full expedition and extensive tasting; personal guide with extended time for questions.

The Gathering and on-site experiences

The Gathering is a shop and outdoor trails to the River Spey; a bar with drams and tapas; outdoor terrace; opening hours 09:00-16:30 Tuesday-Sunday; address Craggan, Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3NT; dogs welcome on a leash in the area.

Availability and shopping

CRN57° Whisky is exclusively available and purchased at The Cairn Distillery; distillery shop.

Philosophy

Local grounding and responsibility

The distillery is located in the Cairngorms National Park and focuses on local ingredients and water of the highest quality. The aim is to preserve and improve the environment around the facility through habitat protection and renewal of natural areas; the land's shape and the forces of nature are in focus.

Heritage and the future

As part of the Gordon & MacPhail family, The Cairn strives to create a whisky and guest experience that inspires guests to explore paths not yet walked, and to become part of a new legacy.