ON leaving Glenfoyle we proceeded by rail to Old Killearn passing on
our way through a lovely country. The Distillery is situated at the
base of Dungoyne, and just below a romantic waterfall 50 feet in
height, which supplies all the water used in the works.
We walked from the station to Glenguin, a distance of half-a-mile,
and at once proceeded to inspect the Distillery, under the guidance of
the Manager. It was built in the year 1833, covers about two acres
of ground, and consists of a Granary, 150 feet long, and three Malt Barns, each
capable of working 100 quarters at one time, with usual Steeps. From these
buildings our guide conducted. us to the Kiln, 24 feet square, floored with wire
cloth. where coke and peat are burned in drying the malt; next crossing a gang-
way we came to the Malt-deposit and Milt,- the latter containing a pair of malt
rollers and the grinding machinery. On leaving th is place we en te red the Mash
House, and were shown a Mash-tun holding 2,200 gallons, and fitted with
revolving stirring gear; also an Underback, placed on the floor of the house,
holding 800 gallons, and in close proximity one of Miller's Patent Refrigerators.
We were next taken to the Tun Room, a neat white-washed building, wherein .
are placed six Washbacks, five holding 2,000 gallons each, and one 3,500 gallons;
at an elevation is the Wash-charger, containing 3,500 gallons. Passing through
a doorway we came to the Still House, which contains two old Pot Stills, a Wash
Still holding 1,210 gallons, and a Spirit Still 850 gallons; on a platform are
placed a Low Wines Receiver, containing 600 gallons, a Low Wines and
Feints Charger, of similar capacity, and a Spirit Receiver, holding 800 gallons.
The Worm-tubs are placed in the open on the hill-side, and fed with water from
the Burn. We may here mention that the Spirits are distilled three times by the
various processes of working in this Distillery. A short distance from the Still
House is the Spirit Store, which contains a vat holding 945 gallons; and next
door an Engine House, wherein is a 12-horse power engine, and a steam boiler 18
feet long by 6 feet in diameter. Crossing the main road, we inspected the four
bonded Warehouses, capable of holding together 2,000 casks; one of the
recently erected is 80 feet long by 60 feet broad. There is a capital house
for the manager on the works, excise and clerks' offices, etc., nine persons being
employed in the establishment.
The make, which is principally sold in Glasgow and London, is pure Malt
and the annual output is 45,000 gallons.
You think you have something to add to this article? You can do so by using this form below! Your comment will be added on the bottom of this page.
*) To prevent abuse by automated systems we have to include this extra security step. **) If you want to receive an email when a new comment is added, please include your email address here. Address will not be shown on this page or used for any other purposes.