Glenmorangie today opens the doors to its new Lighthouse 'innovation distillery' on the Dornoch Firth.
The multi-million-pound expansion is conceived as a whisky makers’ playground, where flavour takes precedence over yield.
Inside, director of whisky creation Dr Bill Lumsden and his team will seek to redefine all aspects of whisky-making.
Like an actual lighthouse, its 20 metre glass still house can be seen for miles around. The design is dramatically different from the traditional stone buildings of the main distillery, established more than 175 years ago.
Immediately above the still house is a purpose-built 'sensory laboratory', where Lumsden and his team will oversee experiments with whisky’s raw ingredients of barley, water and yeast, making changes to key processes such as mashing, brewing and distilling.
Designed by Bartheìleìmy GrinÞo Architects, the Lighthouse will be partly powered by biogas, created in Glenmorangie’s own anaerobic digestion plant, from the by-products of distillation.
Thomas Moradpour, president and chief executive of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “The first of its kind, our Lighthouse experimental distillery is the keystone of our plans to stay at the forefront of taste innovation.
“By giving our talented creation team free rein, we will welcome even more consumers worldwide to enjoy delicious whiskies.”
The new distillery has been supported by a £1m grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Neil Francis, interim managing director of Scottish Development International at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The Scotch whisky industry is one of our country’s proudest success stories and most famous exports, which is why Scottish Enterprise was pleased to support Glenmorangie in delivering this unique, dedicated innovation facility.
“In such a competitive industry, the ability to bring exciting new products to global markets quicker than ever will undoubtedly boost the company’s success, benefiting both the local community and the wider Scottish economy.”
Part of the Moët Hennessy, group, the Edinburgh-headquartered company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.
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