Balloch distillery

Highland single malt Scotch whisky

Available OS grid references put the distillery at, or close to, Balloch Castle, which was built in 1808-09 on the site of a ruined castle that was for centuries the seat of the Lennox family.

It is possible the castle owner, John Buchanan of Ardoch, wanted an in-house distillery and brewery; as this was not an uncommon practice in the 19th century.

However, if the distillery was in fact located elsewhere, it would most likely have been near the River Leven or its tributary, the Ballaghan Burn, which flowed through the village of Balloch.

Image
Map
  • Region
    Highland
  • Production type
    Single malt
  • Distillery Status
    Demolished

Balloch History

Balloch distillery was in operation from 1816-29, originally licensed to Hugh McIndoe.

It fell silent for eight years from 1817, and was licensed to Daniel McGregor & Co. upon its reopening in 1825. It lasted for just one year, before being mothballed again.

In 1827 William Moody made a go of Balloch distillery but by 1829 it was shut for good.

The 200-acre Balloch Castle estate was acquired by Glasgow City in 1915, then leased to Dunbartonshire Council in 1975. It was opened as a country park in 1980 and is now part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 

Although the castle was well maintained for many years, it has recently slipped onto the Buildings at Risk list.                 

Timeline

  • 1816 The distillery is licensed to Hugh McIndoe
  • 1817 The doors of Balloch are closed
  • 1825 The distillery is re-opened by Daniel McGregor and Co.
  • 1826 The distillery is silent once again
  • 1827 William Moody takes over at Balloch
  • 1829 The distillery finally closes

Contact

Address
Over Balloch
Balloch
West Dunbartonshire
United Kingdom
Map

See also

  • South Baloch South Baloch South Baloch Distillery

    South Baloch

    This farm distillery was northwest of Kirriemuir, the birthplace of Peter Pan creator J. M. Barrie.

  • Dumbarton Bridge Dumbarton Bridge Dumbarton Bridge Distillery

    Dumbarton Bridge

    Malt distillery in the town of Dumbarton that briefly operated during the 19th century.

  • Duntocher Duntocher Duntocher Distillery

    Duntocher

    A distillery west of Glasgow, at the village of Duntocher, on the Clyde's north bank.

  • Rountree Bank Rountree Bank Rountree Bank Distillery

    Rountree Bank

    An early 19th century distillery that operated briefly in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.

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