A Legacy Reawakened: The Story of Annandale Distillery

Annandale Distillery is not just another name in the whisky world—it is a phoenix risen from the ashes, a story of defiance, resilience, and an unyielding passion for craftsmanship. Situated in the Lowlands of Scotland, Annandale Distillery’s history stretches back to 1836, when it was first established by George Donald. Operating through the golden age of Scotch whisky, Annandale was later acquired by Johnnie Walker in the 1890s, only to fall victim to economic hardships and finally close its doors in 1924. For nearly a century, its halls lay silent, its copper stills long since vanished, and its reputation fading into whisky lore.  

Enter Professor David Thomson and Teresa Church, a visionary couple who saw beyond the dust and decay. In 2007, they embarked on an ambitious mission to resurrect Annandale to its former glory. It wasn’t just about rebuilding the walls; it was about reviving a lost spirit—literally and figuratively. After a meticulous £10.5 million restoration, Annandale roared back to life in 2014, and since then, it has been making waves in the whisky world with its distinctive approach, rebellious attitude, and unwavering commitment to quality.

The Annandale Distillery Philosophy: Tradition Meets Innovation

Annandale’s ethos is deeply rooted in respecting tradition while embracing modern innovation. Their production process is meticulous, with every aspect—barley selection, fermentation times, distillation, and cask aging—carefully curated to produce world-class whisky. They are one of the few distilleries that operate both peated and unpeated expressions, allowing them to cater to a wide range of palates while maintaining a distinct house style.

Unlike many of the corporate giants in the industry, Annandale champions a hands-on, small-batch approach, ensuring that every bottle reflects the dedication and artistry behind its creation. Their commitment to quality is further reinforced by their use of premium oak casks, sourced from the finest cooperages, to impart rich and complex flavours into their whisky.

The Stars of Annandale – Whisky You Can Find at Robert Graham 1874

At Robert Graham 1874, we are proud to showcase some of the finest expressions from Annandale Distillery, each with its own unique character and story to tell.

Robert Graham Exclusive: Man O' Words  - 2017 Double Oak Cask - 70cl, 60.2% abv

The RG Exclusive: Man O' Words - 2017 Double Oak Cask Peated Whisky is bottled under the Man O’ Sword name after King Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s warrior king and the 7th Lord of Annandale, while Unpeated Whisky is presented as Man O’ Words after Robert Burns, the Scottish Bard and once an exciseman in Annandale. 

After a trip to Annandale Distillery, Our MD and Management team sampled a few casks and we chose a cask filled in 2017 to be a Robert Graham Exclusive Cask The cask that we selected and we felt best showcased Annandale whisky (and was a favourite between all our team that sampled casks), was a Woodford Reserve Double Oak cask. 

Man O’Sword 10 Year Old Cask 103 – A Rare Peated Gem from Annandale

Introducing the Man O’Sword 10 Year Old Cask 103, a remarkable single-cask release from Annandale Distillery. This whisky hails from one of their early peated spirit runs in 2014, making it a true milestone in their distilling journey. Matured for a full decade in a fresh ex-Bourbon barrel and bottled at a powerful cask strength of 58.6% ABV, this exceptional dram showcases the depth, complexity, and unmistakable character of Annandale whisky.

Storyman Blended Whisky. A collaboration between James Cosmo of Game of Thrones fame and the Lowland Distillery of Annandale, this blend is a Jack-of-all-trades with balanced fruity, sweet and smokey notes.

What’s Next for Annandale Distillery?

Annandale is not a distillery that rests on its laurels. They have exciting plans for the future, including the release of older age statements, continued experimentation with cask finishes, and further expansion of their global footprint. Whisky lovers can expect to see more collaborations, limited editions, and perhaps even a few surprises along the way.

One of the most anticipated projects in the pipeline is their venture into creating older, matured expressions. While Annandale has already proven that their younger whiskies can stand proudly among some of the best, the potential for a 12-year, 15-year, or even older whisky from their warehouses is enough to make enthusiasts giddy with anticipation.

Why Annandale Matters to the Rebel Whisky Drinker

Annandale Distillery is more than just a producer of fine whisky—it is a symbol of defiance against time, a testament to Scotland’s unbreakable bond with whisky-making, and a bold statement that great things come to those who dare to dream. If you consider yourself a whisky rebel, a seeker of drams that challenge conventions and push boundaries, then Annandale deserves a place in your collection.

At Robert Graham 1874, we celebrate those who dare to be different, and Annandale Distillery embodies that spirit in every bottle. Whether you’re drawn to the poetic elegance of Man O’ Words, the fiery intensity of Man O’ Sword, or the rebellious nature of Outlaw King, there’s an Annandale whisky waiting for you.

So, are you ready to raise a glass to the rebels of the whisky world? Because Annandale is here to remind us that some legacies refuse to die—they just need the right people to bring them back to life.

Slàinte Mhath!