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A brighter (red) future –
1950s
JOHN L S GRANT tells the
story about GLENFARCLAS |
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Ian Gray's painting,
Red Doors. |
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The 1950s were good for
Glenfarclas. The repeal of the 1880 Spirits Act, which
had prohibited simultaneous mashing and distilling (primarily
for the convenience of excise men), effectively doubled
capacity. Along with the relaxation of barley rationing,
it allowed production to increase significantly. So
perhaps it’s no surprise that our oldest stocks are from
this period.
With increased production came further investment, and
four new distillery houses were completed at Glenfarclas
in 1955. However, the whole industry was experiencing
similar growth. Mothballed distilleries were reopened
and whisky production reached new levels; all with one
inevitable consequence – the filling price began to
fall. In 1952, the market filling price was 16 shillings
per original proof gallon. It was the mid-1960s before
the price returned to this high level.
One of my earliest memories came in 1954 when, aged
three, I came home to discover my father had painted the
warehouse doors at |
Glenfarclas bright signal red.
They’ve been that way ever since; familiar to all who visit the
distillery.
In 1958, there was an even
more radical event at Glenfarclas – the appointment of
our first female member of staff, Maureen Greig. It was
a sign of the times; further emphasised when we decided
to take a Christmas holiday for the first time. As a
result, our last Christmas Day filling is from 25th
December, 1959.
| “It is
hard to describe a common style for the
1950s casks. It’s a collection of
exceptions. There is surprisingly little
evidence of oak or heavy tannins.
Instead, you will find fresh fruit.
Despite their age, these whiskies are
very much alive. Prepare to be
pleasantly surprised.” |
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George S
Grant |
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Jimmy Hill collecting peat on the Ben
in the early 1950s. He retired in 1968
and was our first company pensioner.
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