Over the weekend, whisky lovers received disappointing news as US-based spirits giant Brown-Forman announced the temporary closure of Glenglassaugh Distillery. The historic Highland distillery, which underwent a revamp of its core range in late 2023, is the smallest of Brown-Forman’s three Scottish distilleries, alongside Benriach and Glendronach.
While this isn’t a permanent shutdown, Glenglassaugh is entering a “silent season,” a term used in the whisky industry for periods of paused production. The closure is part of a new shared production model between Glenglassaugh and Benriach, designed to optimize resources. Unfortunately, this change has resulted in staff redundancies, but Brown-Forman has assured that those affected will be supported through the transition.
Why Is Glenglassaugh Temporarily Closing?
The whisky industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from fluctuating global demand to rising production costs. Brown-Forman’s decision to introduce a shared production model between its distilleries is part of a broader restructuring effort.
In a statement to the press, Brown-Forman spokesperson Elizabeth Conway explained:
“Glenglassaugh Distillery is not shutting down. We are implementing a shared production model with Benriach, which will involve periods of production alongside occasional silent seasons, as has been the case traditionally. This allows us to optimize resources and expertise across both distilleries.”
This means that Glenglassaugh will operate intermittently rather than continuously, a method commonly used in whisky production to manage inventory levels and maintain financial stability. However, the transition hasn’t been without its costs.
“This shared production model, and our ongoing demand planning process, resulted in a small number of redundancies. We deeply value the contributions of those impacted and are committed to providing support to them throughout this process.”
Brown-Forman’s restructuring isn’t limited to Glenglassaugh. The company recently announced plans to cut 12% of its global workforce and shut down its Kentucky cooperage, opting to source barrels from external suppliers instead. The move signals a challenging period for the whisky industry, especially in the American bourbon market, where Jack Daniel’s remains the cornerstone of Brown-Forman’s operations.
What Does This Mean for Whisky Fans?
While the temporary closure may be disappointing, Glenglassaugh enthusiasts can rest assured that existing stock levels will be sufficient to keep bottles available for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Benriach and Glendronach will continue normal operations, with Glendronach planning new releases in the coming years.
Glenglassaugh’s history includes previous mothballing periods, including a long closure from 1986 to 2008, before being revived by investors and later acquired by Brown-Forman in 2016. This latest pause is not expected to be anywhere near as long, and production will resume periodically to maintain stock levels.
While the future of Glenglassaugh remains promising, now is the perfect time for fans to secure their favorite expressions. Explore the Glenglassaugh range today at Bottle Stop Online Liquor and raise a glass to this storied coastal distillery.