Most of the Scotch you buy is likely from the Speyside region of north-eastern Scotland, where the largest distilleries are concentrated. Speyside is known for the big brands such as Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet, but then there are the smaller, less famous distillers like Aberlour (roughly translated as 'the mouth of the chattering stream'). Aberlour (ab-al-OW-er) finds itself at a confluence of the Lour Burn and the River Spey, a type of landscape venerated by the earliest people of Scotland. Springs, streams, and rivers were considered lifelines and mystical places, and it's where settlements grew into villages along with grain mills, breweries, and distilleries. Taking its name from the town, Aberlour was founded in 1826 by James Gordon and Peter Weir. It changed hands several times until landing under the leadership of Pernod-Ricard in 1975 and Chivas Brothers in 2001. Thanks to Pernod, Aberlour has remained active, and its place in Scotch history remains secure as so many old distilleries are shuttered. While their main production is well-aged double-cask whisky with age designations from 12 to 30 years, Aberlour also crafts A'Bunadh ('the original') and Casg Annamh.
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