The GlenAllachie has partnered with engineering company Briggs of Burton to install energy-saving technology in its distillery.
The installation of a mechanical vapour recompression (MVR) system follows the distillery's 2023 grant from the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF). The grant was awarded to help the distillery improve its energy efficiency.
As part of the refurbishment, two 21,000-litre McMillan Coppersmiths wash stills have been fitted with Briggs ThermoDrive units. The MVR system is expected to "deliver over 90 per cent energy savings in the wash distillation process", and save 367 tCO2e per year.
Billy Walker, owner of the GlenAllachie, said: "With around 60 per cent of our total energy consumption linked to our pot stills, improving efficiency in this area is a priority. This system will allow us to move away from gas and instead use electricity, which is both more efficient and has a lower environmental impact (on a green tariff). Support from the SIETF has made it possible for us to take on a project of this scale. Additionally at site, we have also invested in solar panels to supply renewable energy reducing our carbon footprint even further."
Dr Ben Connolly, lead R&D engineer at Briggs of Burton, said the installation was "a real step forward for sustainable distilling". As well as energy efficiency, Connolly said the ThermoDrive technology offered "performance and practicality", being easy to maintain, built for long-term use, and operating at low noise levels.
Several distilleries in Scotland looking to improve their energy efficiency have installed MVR or TVR (thermal vapour recompression) technology for heat recovery, including Glentauchers and Ardgowan.
Walker added: "Reaching this milestone brings us ever closer to realising our vision for The GlenAllachie’s future. This is not about increasing capacity, it’s about building the next chapter of The GlenAllachie’s legacy, rooted in quality, tradition, and innovation."
Earlier this year, the GlenAllachie was awarded World's Best Single Malt for its 12 Years Old single malt.
