For generations, the Speyside region of Scotland has been known to contain some of the cleanest and most mineral rich waters in the world. This is what drew Hopkins to the area in search of the perfect place to found a distillery. After a long time hunting for the right spot, Hopkins finally discovered a secluded valley near a freshwater tributary of the River Spey. It was there he found the Granty Burn, an untouched hidden stream. He knew that the burn’s exceptionally pure water would produce a remarkable whisky with a naturally refreshing character. It is here that he broke ground and founded the Speyburn Distillery, beginning his legacy.
One of the many challenges John Hopkins and his team had to overcome in establishing the distillery close to the pure water source was in the physical placement of the building. Rather than force the distillery onto the natural landscape Hopkins invited world-renowned architect Charles C. Doig to integrate the distillery more sympathetically into the surroundings. This meant designing an entirely new style of distillery and building over 3 levels to fit into the steep valley’s topography. Doig’s ingenious solution to the limited space includes the now iconic pagoda ventilator which allows for a constant current of air to flow over the grains.
Even before the distillery was complete and still without doors and windows, Hopkins was keen to produce the first golden batch of spirit to recognise Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Hopkins and his team worked tirelessly, overcoming many challenges, including Arctic storms, until in the last days of December 1897 the first barrel of Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky left the distillery bonded with that special date.