Time-lapse of Glengoyne washback fitting

Following 36 years of ‘stellar’ service, Glengoyne has waved goodbye to Washback 2 and Washback 4, which have contributed to the creation of more than 1bn drams of whisky.

The Oregon pine washbacks have been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to create the company’s wash – the alcoholic liquid produced after fermentation which is then used in distillation.

To mark their retirement and welcome the replacements, Glengoyne made a time-lapse film of the new washbacks being assembled over the course of six days.

The new fixtures were assembled from 24 iron hoops and 180 wooden staves, and will each produce the equivalent of 540m drams during their predicted 36-year lifespan.

But to ensure the old washbacks don’t go to waste, Glengoyne plans to recycle them into benches, tables and shelves, which will be used by future visitors to the distillery.