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Let the Deed Show
The motto of James Fleming, founder of the
Aberlour Distillery, who more than lived up to those words. He
built a community hall for the people of Aberlour and left money
in his will specifically to erect a hospital and a bridge across
the River Spey. There were countless other acts of generosity
from this kindly man, who modestly preferred to keep a low profile
and let his actions speak for him. "Let the Deed Show"
is displayed on every bottle of Aberlour Single Malt as a tribute
– and as an indication that the exceptional quality of Aberlour
speaks for itself. A sentiment that James Fleming would surely
support.
See Fleming, James.
Linn Falls
This impressive waterfall is just a short walk
from the Aberlour Distillery. Also known as Linn of Ruthrie (the
word "linn" means waterfall or the pool into which a
waterfall cascades), it is the River Lour's last fling before
it joins the Spey. The Linn Falls undoubtedly had mystical connotations
for the ancient Celts of these parts. The thickly wooded slopes
contain oaks, alders and rowan trees, all of religious significance
to the Druids. Even today there is an aura of mystery and magic
surrounding this beautiful setting.
Loch Ness Monster
During his epic crusade through northern Scotland
in the 6th century, the Christian missionary St Columcille came
face to face with what we now call the Loch Ness Monster. Columcille
and his fellow monks (who included St Drostan, later to visit
Aberlour) met a group of Picts burying the body of a man who they
said had been killed by a ferocious monster while swimming in
the River Ness at the head of the famous loch. Since Columcille
and his companions needed to cross the river in order to continue
their journey, it must have caused them some concern.
Lour River
The River Lour starts at the foot of Ben Rinnes,
where it is fed by the crystal-clear streams bubbling and bouncing
down the great slopes of the mountain. From there the Lour (Gaelic
for "chattering burn") glides across the valley floor,
flanked by hedgerows and wild meadows. Then the river gathers
speed as it enters a narrow wooded glen and falls sharply, cascading
between boulders to form the spectacular Linn Falls. Its energy
largely spent, the small river then gently makes its way, via
the grounds of the Aberlour Distillery, to its watery junction
with the mighty Spey.
Low Wines
The name given to the product of the first
distillation (in the wash still) during the pot still process.
Containing 20-25 per cent alcohol, low wines form the raw material
of the second distillation, which is carried out in the spirit
still. See Distilling.
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