There are many different companies, people, distilleries, and processes involved in the making of Scotch whisky. The whisky that is sold on supermarket shelves and in auctions all over the world all come from distilleries in the depths of Scotland. So, just who owns these distilleries? The companies that own the distilleries are responsible for investment in the distillery, and oversight of all their operations. Below is a comprehensive list of the owners of noteworthy Scottish distilleries. We have informative blogs on Diageo, Pernod Ricard, The Edrington Group, Inver House, William Grant & Sons, Beam Suntory, BenRiach Distillers Co., and Nikka for your enjoyment.
Diageo
Diageo is the largest spirit company in the world, with a long list of brands and distilleries in their portfolio. Diageo was formed by a myriad of mergers and takeovers. The resulting company is a giant in the business. If you would like to read more about Diageo’s complicated history, click here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Diageo own:
- Blair Athol
- Glenkinchie
- Dalwhinnie
- Royal Lochnagar
- Cragganmore
- Cardhu
- Glen Ord
- Clynelish
- Talisker
- Oban
- Caol Ila
- Lagavulin
- Linkwood
- Knockando
- Auchroisk
- Benrinnes
- Cameron Bridge
- Dailuaine
- Dufftown
- Cascade Hollow
- Glen Elgin
- Strathmill
- Teaninich
- Mannochmore
- Mortlach
- Inchgower
- Glenlossie
- Dailuaine
- Glen Ord
- Auchroisk
- Glendullan
- Port Ellen
- Mortlach
- Glen Albyn
- Glen Mhor
- Royal Lochnagar
- Glenlochy
- Pittyvaich
- Roseisle
- Magdalene
- Glen Spey
- Knockando
Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is a French company that was formed by a merger between two previously warring companies, Pernod and Ricard. Both companies began by distilling an anise-flavoured liqueur. If you would like to read more about Pernod Ricard, click here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Pernod Ricard own:
- Aberlour
- Allt-a-Bhainne
- Caperdonich
- Dalmunach
- Glenburgie
- Kinclaith
- Lochside
- Longmorn
- Miltonduff
- Scapa
- Strathisla
- Tormore
- The Glenlivet
The Edrington Group
The Edrington Group is a company that owns some of the biggest distilleries and brands in the world. The company was formed by multiple takeovers and acquisitions. You can read the fascinating story here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Edrington owns:
- Glenrothes
- Highland Park
- The Macallan
Inver House
The history of Inver House begins in 1912, and is a fascinating story of how a Polish immigrant started the company that is now owned by one of the richest men in the world. You can read all about it here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Inver House owns:
- Balblair
- Balmenach
- Glen Flagler
- Knockdhu
- Speyburn
- Pulteney
William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons is one of the only family-owned whisky companies left in the business. It has been in the same family for several generations. You can read all about the dynasty and their company here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, William Grant & Sons owns:
- Alisa Bay
- Balvenie
- Glenfiddich
- Kininvie
- Ladyburn
Beam Suntory
Beam Suntory was formed by a merger between two huge companies, Beam and Suntory. Their story involves lots of mergers and takeovers, as well as companies that no longer exist. You can read their story here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Beam Suntory owns:
- Ardmore
- Auchentoshan
- Bowmore
- Glen Garioch
- Laphroaig
BenRiach Distillers Co.
BenRiach Distillers Co. do not own any international brands, but they do own some infamous Scotch whisky distilleries. You can read more about the history of BenRiach Distillers Co here. Their influence on the world of Scotch whisky can always be recognised. BenRiach Distillers Co. owns:
- BenRiach
- GlenDronach
- Glenglassaugh
Nikka
Nikka was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the man who is considered the father of Japanese whisky. Nikka has changed the landscape of Japanese whisky. Without Taketsuru it would not be the same today. You can read about this history of Nikka here. In terms of Scotch whisky distilleries, Nikka only owns Ben Nevis Distillery.
John Dewar & Sons (Bacardi)
- Aberfeldy
- Aultmore
- Craigellachie
- Macduff
- Royal Brackla
Whyte & Mackay (Emperador)
- The Dalmore
- Fettercairn
- Jura
- Tamnavulin
Distell International
- Bunnahabhain
- Deanston
- Tobermory
Glemorangie Company
- Ardbeg
- Glenmorangie
Angus Dundee Distillers
- Glencadam
- Tomintoul
Ian Macleod Distillers
- Glenogyne
- Rosebank
- Tamdhu
Campari Group
- Glen Grant
Isle of Arran Distillers
- Arran
- Lagg
Signatory
- Edradour
Tomatin Distillery Co.
- Tomatin
J & G Grant
- Glenfarclas
Remy Cointreau
- Bruichladdich
David Prior
- Bladnoch
Gordon & Macphail
- Bendromach
La Martiniquaise
- Glen Moray
Picard Vins & Spiritueux
- Tullibardine
Harvey’s of Edinburgh
- Speyside
Kilchoman Distillery Co.
- Kilchoman
Cuthbert Family
- Daftmill
Mark Tayburn
- Abhainn Dearg
Aurora Brewing Ltd
- Wolfburn
Strathearn Distillery Ltd
- Strathearn
Wemyss
- Kingsbarns
Mcpherson-Grant Family
- Ballindalloch
Paul Eden
- Eden Mill
Isle of Harris Distillers
- Harris
The Glasgow Distillery Company
- Glasgow Distillery
John Fegus & Co. Ltd
- Inchdairnie
Stirling Family
- Arbikie
Brewdog Plc
- Lone Wolf
Thompson Family
- Dornoch
Mossburn Distilleries
- Torabhaig
R & B Distillers
- Isle of Raasay
The Lindores Abbey Distilling Company
- Lindores Abbey
Morrison Glasgow Distillers
- Clydeside
Ncn’ean Distillery Ltd
- Ncn’ean
The Three Stills Co.
- The Borders
The Glenallachie Distillers Co.
- Glenallachie
The Perth Distilling Company
- Aberargie
GlenWyvis Distillery Ltd
- GlenWyvis
Hunter Laing
- Ardnahoe
The Hollyrood Distillery Ltd
- Hollyrood
Greenwood Distillers
- Ardross
Lalique Group/Hansjorg Wyss
- Glenturret
So, there is a comprehensive list of all of the distilleries in Scotland, mothballed, active, and demolished, that are owned by many different companies.
The distilleries in Scotland help to bring in huge amounts of tourism, hence the investment in visitor’s centres by many of the companies listed above. For example, Diageo has plans to revive Port Ellen and Brora with new visitor’s centres and refurbished original buildings. Among some of the best current visitor experiences are The Macallan, Blair Athol, Glenkinchie, Laphroaig, and Arran. A road trip around Scotland can be made ever more interesting by visits to these fascinating distilleries and the beautiful landscapes that surround them.
